by Brent Hale

Created on: January 18, 2011   Last Updated: February 06, 2011

Every football fan is familiar with the likes of Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Emmitt Smith and others for their ability to perform well in the NFL's biggest game. However, given the fact that the Super Bowl is a one-game, winner-take-all, championship, an opportunity is provided for lesser-known players to rise to the occasion and capture the spotlight. This article will discuss some of those players.

Max McGee - Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl I

Prior to Super Bowl I, Max McGee, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, had enjoyed a fairly successful career. However, due to age and injury, McGee saw a limited role. In the 1966 season McGee only caught four passes for 91 total yards. McGee had no idea that he would get a chance to play in the first Super Bowl. In fact, he bet against it and broke the teams curfew by spending a night out on the town the night before the game. On the second drive of the game, starting wide receiver Boyd Dowler suffered a shoulder injury and had to leave the game. McGee, who would have to borrow a teammates helmet, because he forgot to bring his own, was called into the game. After only being in the game for a few plays, McGee made a spectacular one-handed catch on a pass from Bart Starr and took it 37 yards for the first touchdown in Super Bowl history. McGee finished the game with seven receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, a remarkable performance considering the circumstances.

Chuck Howley – Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl V

In a sloppy game full of turnovers, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley became the first defensive player to win the Super Bowl MVP. More interestingly he became the first ever and only player to win the MVP award while playing for the losing team. His two interceptions were pretty heroic, however his decision to refuse the award, deeming it insignificant, is the reason he made it on this list.

Desmond Howard – Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl XXXI

Former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard never really lived up to the hype as a wide receiver. He was, however, an excellent kick returner. His 244 return yards and 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown were enough to make him the first special teams player to ever win the Super Bowl MVP award.

Larry Brown – Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXX

The Dallas Cowboys of the mid-90s were stacked with talent. When former 12th round draft choice, Larry Brown won the MVP award it was a surprise to many. Both of Brown’s two interceptions

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