Longest Super Bowl droughts in NFL history 

Over the course of NFL history, 28 franchises have played in at least one Super Bowl while 20 have earned a victory.

While some teams have consistently been able to make appearances in big games throughout their own history, others have struggled to establish themselves as contenders.

Here are the five longest streaks in NFL history without an appearance in the Super Bowl.

Longest streaks without a Super Bowl appearance in NFL history

#1 (tied) - Detroit Lions - 56 years

Detroit Lions fan watches in shock

There have been 56 Super Bowls in NFL history and the Lions haven't appeared in any of them.

They are one of only two franchises that have been around since the first one in 1966 but have never made it to any of them. Prior to the merger, the last time they appeared in an NFL championship game was in the 1957 season.

#1 (tied) - Cleveland Browns - 56 years

Cleveland Browns fans with Believeland sign

The Cleveland Browns are the second team along with the Detroit Lions. They have been in existence since at least 1966 but have never made an appearance in the Super Bowl. The last time they won a championship was in 1964, prior to the official merger.

Longest droughts without a Super Bow appearance in NFL history

Here are the five NFL teams with the longest streaks of all time without an appearance in the Super Bowl.

#3 - New York Jets - 53 years

New York Jets legend Joe Namath with the Vince Lombardi trophy

The New York Jets made their only Super Bowl appearance in 1969 in SB III.

Quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed that the Jets would come out victorious despite being big underdogs and he delivered on his promise. They haven't been back to one since then.

#4 - Kansas City Chiefs - 49 years

Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy

The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl IV and Super Bowl LIV, but didn't appear in another one for 49 straight years in between the two victories. The Chiefs are the only team on the list whose drought is an inactive streak.

#5 - Minnesota Vikings - 45 years

Divisional Round - New Orleans Saints v Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have appeared in four Super Bowls, but haven't been in one since 1976, earning them an active streak of 45 years. They have also lost all four of their appearances, tied for the most Super Bowl losses in NFL history.