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Are you a crazy fan of the NFL? If yes, then you may know that the Super Bowl is the pinnacle of success for any player.
While some of the greatest players to ever suit up have had the fortune of winning a Super Bowl, plenty of all-time greats never got to experience that same glory.
But have you ever wondered who the best players in NFL history are who never had an opportunity to win a Super Bowl Ring?
Let’s look at some of the best players without a Super Bowl Ring in NFL history.
10 Best Players Without a Super Bowl Ring
So, are you ready to grab some of the greatest players who never win a Super Bowl?
While the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for any NFL player, some of the greatest players have gone their careers without ever getting that coveted ring.
Today, we will look at the 10 best players without a Super Bowl ring.
We’ll discuss their careers, accomplishments, and why they didn’t win that elusive ring.
So settle in, and let’s get started!
1. LB Dick Butkus (1942 to Present)
| Full Name | Richard Marvin Butkus |
| Nick Name | Dick, The Enforcer |
| Date of Birth | 9 December 1942 |
| Current Age | 88 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Fire |
| Residence | Southern California |
| Education | High School: Vocational (Chicago, Illinois) University: University of Illinois |
| Profession | American Football Player, Actor, Television Presenter, Radio Personality, Sports Anchor |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wifi/ Girlfriend | Wife: Helen Essenhart |
| Children | 3 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.91 In Centimeters: 191 In Ft: 6 ft 3 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 111 In Pounds: 245 lbs |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Ethnicity | American |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
LB Dick Butkus is an American National Football Player revered as one of the greatest linebackers of all time.
Butkus was a 6-time first-team All-NFL member in his career and played in 8 consecutive Pro Bowls.
His impressive career totals include 1,020 tackles and 489 assists, making him one of the best players to play the game.
Unfortunately, he never got to win a Super Bowl, but his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
He remains an inspiration and role model to many players today.
Some of the most attractive achievements of LB Dick Butkus:
- Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL 2 times
- George Halas Award
- College Football Hall of Fame Award
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Award and more
2. QB James Edward Jim Kelly (1960 to Present)
| Full Name | James Edward Kell |
| Nick Name | Jim Kelly |
| Date of Birth | 14 February 1960 |
| Current Age | 62 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Residence | Buffalo, U.S |
| Education | High School: East Brady (PA) College: Miami (FL) |
| Profession | American Football Quarterback Player |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/ Girlfriend | Wife: Jill Marie Kelly |
| Children | 3 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.91 In Centimeters: 191 In Ft: 6 ft 3 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 103 In Pounds: 226 lbs |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Ethnicity | White Sexual orientation |
| Net Worth | $20 Million |
Jim Kelly is one of the most beloved quarterbacks in NFL history.
Although his career was filled with many successes, he never won a Super Bowl.
Despite this, Kelly put together an impressive career, throwing more than 3,000 yards in a season eight times and more than 300 yards in a game twenty-six times.
His career was marked by his determination and ability to stay competitive despite the odds.
He truly inspired all football fans, and his legacy will live forever.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Jim Kelly:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Award
- First-Team All-Pro honors
- USFL Most Valuable Player
- AFC Championship and more
3. QB Dan Marino (1961 to Present)
| Full Name | Daniel Constantine Marino Jr. |
| Nick Name | Marino |
| Date of Birth | 15 September 1961 |
| Current Age | 61 (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra, Virgo, Scorpio |
| Residence | Weston, Fla |
| Education | High School: Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) College: Pittsburgh (1979–1982) |
| Profession | American Football Quarter Back Player |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/ Girlfriend | Wife: Claire Marino |
| Children | 6 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.93 In Centimeters: 193 In Ft: 6 ft 4 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 103 In Pounds: 228 lbs |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Dan Marino’s career is truly remarkable.
He’s the first player to pass 5,000 yards in a single season, finishing with an amazing 5,084 yards.
His career stats are even more impressive, with 4,967 of 8,358 passes completed for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns in 242 games.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Dan Marino:
- NFL Most Valuable Player
- Offensive Player of the Year in the NFL
- Sugar Bowl’s Most Valuable Player and more
4. TE Tony Gonzalez (1976 to Present)
| Full Name | Anthony David Gonzalez |
| Nick Name | Captain Canada |
| Date of Birth | 27 February 1976 |
| Current Age | 46 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Torrance, CA |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Residence | |
| Education | High School: Huntington Beach High SchoolCollege: California (1994–1996) |
| Profession | American Football Player, Basketball Player |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wifi/ Girlfriend | Wife: October Gonzalez |
| Children | 3 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.96 In Centimeters: 196 In Ft: 6ft 5 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 112 In Pounds: 247 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Ethnicity | Multiracial |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
Tony Gonzalez is a legendary tight end who has achieved tremendous success throughout his career despite never winning a Super Bowl ring.
His consistency is remarkable, as he never caught less than 59 passes in a single season and surpassed the 80-catch mark eight times.
He even led the entire league in receptions in 2004 with an impressive 102 catches and reached 1,000 yards for the second time in his career.
He’s a testament to hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Tony Gonzalez:
- Six First-Team All-Pros
- 14 Pro Bowl selections and more
5. DE Bruce Smith (1963 to Present)
| Full Name | Bruce Bernard Smith |
| Nick Name | The Sack Man |
| Date of Birth | 18 June 1963 |
| Current Age | 59 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Norfolk, Virginia, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Residence | Norfolk, Virginia |
| Education | High School: Booker T. Washington High School College: Virginia Tech |
| Profession | American Football Player |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wifi/ Girlfriend | Wife: Carmen Smith |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.93 In Centimeters: 193 In Ft: 6 ft 4 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 120 In Pounds: 265 lbs |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Ethnicity | the Afro-American |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
Bruce Smith is one of the most accomplished players in NFL history.
He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, a record for the Buffalo Bills, and was named Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player in 1987.
Despite his many accomplishments, Bruce has never won a Super Bowl ring.
After all, he is truly an incredible player who will forever be remembered in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Bruce Smith:
- NFL’s All-Time Career Sack Leader
- All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s in the NFL
- NFL Hall of Fame Award
6. RB Barry Sanders (1968 to Present)
| Full Name | Barry James Sanders |
| Nick Name | Big Bad Barry |
| Date of Birth | 16 July 1968 |
| Current Age | 54 Years(As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Wichita, Kansas, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Residence | Wichita, Kansas |
| Education | High School: Wichita North High School College: Oklahoma State (1986–1988) |
| Profession | American Football Player, Actor |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/ Girlfriend | Wife: Lauren Campbell |
| Children | 4 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.73 In Centimeters: 173 In Ft: 5ft 8 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 91 In Pounds: 200 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
Barry Sanders is another enthusiastic player without winning a super bowl ring.
He was the first running back to record five 1,500-yard rushing seasons and the only back to do so in four consecutive seasons.
He was also one of the most elusive players in the game, using his agility and quickness to elude would-be tacklers.
Unfortunately, Barry Sanders never won a Super Bowl ring, but his accomplishments are still remembered and respected.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Barry Sanders:
- 1,000 yards in 10 straight seasons
- 100 yards in 14 consecutive games
- Pro Bowl and AP first-team All-Pro
- Bert Bell Award
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year and more
7. Eric Dickerson, RB
| Full Name | Eric Demetric Dickerson |
| Nick Name | Mr. Benny |
| Date of Birth | 2 September 1960 |
| Current Age | 62 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Sealy, Texas, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Residence | Sealy, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | High School: Sealy (TX) College: SMU (1979–1982) |
| Profession | American Football Player |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wifi/ Girlfriend | Wife; Penny Sutton |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.91 In Centimeters: 191 In Ft: 6ft 3inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 100 In Pounds: 220 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
Eric Dickerson was one of the most extraordinary football players of his time.
During his 11-year career, he racked up an impressive 13,259 yards rushing, which was second only to all-time greats.
Unfortunately, he was never able to get his hands on a Super Bowl ring, but that doesn’t take away from the legacy he left behind.
He is remembered as one of the best running backs of all time and a true inspiration to any aspiring football player.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Eric Dickerson:
- Six-Time Pro Bowl Selection
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- AFC rushing title and more
8. Fran Tarkenton (1940 to Present)
| Full Name | Francis Asbury Tarkenton |
| Nick Name | Frantic Fran, Fran Tarkenton, The Mad Scrambler |
| Date of Birth | 3 February 1940 |
| Current Age | 82 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Richmond, Virginia, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Residence | Blacksburg |
| Education | High School: 1. Georgia high school 2. Athens High School College: University of Georgia |
| Profession | American Football Player, Entrepreneur |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/ Girlfriend | Wife: 1. Anna Elaine Merrell 2. Linda Sebastian Tarkenton |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.83 In Centimeters: 183 In Ft: 6 ft |
| Weight | In Kg: 86In Pounds: 190 lbs |
| Hair Color | White and Grey |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Ethnicity | American |
| Net Worth | $300 Million |
Fran Tarkenton is an American National Football Player who made an incredible mark in the NFL.
His 47,003 career passing yards and 342 career passing touchdowns rank him fourteenth and eleventh all-time, respectively, in NFL history.
Despite never having made it to the Super Bowl, his impressive stats make him one of the most talented players of all time.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Fran Tarkenton:
- 47,003 Yards
- 342 Touchdowns
- Hall of Fame and more
9. DE Deacon Jones (1938 to Present)
| Full Name | David D. Jones |
| Nick Name | the Secretary of Defense |
| Date of Birth | 9 December 1938 |
| Current Age | 74 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Eatonville, Florida, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Residence | Anaheim Hills |
| Education | High School: Hungerford High School College: South Carolina State (1958) Mississippi Valley State (1960) |
| Profession | Defensive end and Football Player |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/ Girlfriend | Wife: Elizabeth Jones |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | In Meters: 1.96 In Centimeters: 196 In Ft: 6ft 5 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 123 In Pounds: 272 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Net Worth | $2.5 Million |
Deacon Jones had an iconic career, even though he didn’t win a Super Bowl.
He demonstrated excellence on the field with seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1964 to 1970. He was further honored with an eighth selection after the 1972 season with the San Diego Chargers.
However, he is an inspiration to many, as he achieved greatness and left a historical legacy in the NFL despite not winning a Super Bowl.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Deacon Jones:
- All-League Honors Six Straight Years
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- NFL sacks leader and more
10. TE Ozzie Newsome (1956 to Present)
| Full Name | Ozzie Newsome Jr. |
| Nick Name | Wizard of Oz |
| Date of Birth | 16 March 1956 |
| Current Age | 66 Years (As of 2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Muscle Shoals, Alabama, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Residence | N/A |
| Education | High school: Colbert County, (Leighton, Alabama) College: University of Alabama |
| Profession | American Football Player |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife/ Girlfriend | Wife: Gloria Newsome |
| Children | 1 Son Name: Michael Newsome |
| Height | In Meters: 1.88 In Centimeters: 188 In Ft: 6ft 2 inch |
| Weight | In Kg: 105 kg In Pounds: 232 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Gray |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Ozzie Newsome is a legendary American football player who has achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
He is best known for his incredible 662 receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns.
He has inspired many aspiring athletes who admire his determination and passion for the sport.
Some of the most attractive achievements of Ozzie Newsome:
- Football Hall of Fame
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- 7,980 Yards
- 47 Touchdowns and more
Conclusion
It’s a shame that some of the greatest players of all time never won the Super Bowl.
But that doesn’t mean they didn’t have great careers and left a lasting impact on the game.
From Dan Marino to Barry Sanders, the list of the 10 best players without a Super Bowl ring is full of all-time legends.
Each of these players achieved a high level of success in their own right and will be remembered.
They each deserve our appreciation and admiration, even if they never earned the ultimate prize.
- Read Also: Interesting Facts about the Super Bowl
