As the football world eagerly anticipates the upcoming 2025 Super Bowl showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, fans and analysts reflect on the rich history of the NFL’s championship game. Super Bowl LIX may become an all-time classic clash, led by NFL MVP odds leaders Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts.
In this retrospective, we focus on the Rams’ Super Bowl triumphs and the exceptional players who rose to the occasion, earning the coveted Super Bowl MVP title. These performances secured victory for their team and solidified their places in NFL lore. As we stand on the eve of another potential classic, let’s revisit the Rams’ Super Bowl history and celebrate the two individuals whose extraordinary efforts on the game’s biggest stage earned them the distinction of Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXXIV MVP: Kurt Warner
In their first Super Bowl victory on January 30, 2000, the then-St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-16. Quarterback Kurt Warner was named Super Bowl MVP for his exceptional performance. Warner set Super Bowl records with 414 passing yards and 45 attempts without an interception.
Warner’s journey to Super Bowl MVP was remarkable. Undrafted from college, he worked through arena football and NFL Europe before becoming the Rams’ starting quarterback. His MVP performance in Super Bowl XXXIV made him the first undrafted quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
Career Highlights
Kurt Warner’s NFL career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over his 12-year career, Warner amassed impressive statistics:
Passing Yards: 32,344
Touchdowns: 208
Completion Percentage: 65.5%
Passer Rating: 93.7
Warner’s best statistical season came in 2001 when he led the league with 4,830 passing yards and threw for 36 touchdowns. This performance earned him his second NFL MVP award and another trip to the Super Bowl.
Warner was selected to four Pro Bowls was named First-team All-Pro twice, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2017. His career accolades include:
2 NFL MVP Awards (1999, 2001)
Super Bowl MVP (XXXIV)
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award (2008)
Warner’s career win-loss record stands at 67-49, with his most successful season coming in 2001 when he led the Rams to a 14-2 record.
Super Bowl LVI MVP: Cooper Kupp
The Rams’ second Super Bowl victory came on February 13, 2022, when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 at their home stadium, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named Super Bowl MVP for his crucial role in the win.
Kupp’s game-winning performance included eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive score with 1:25 left in the game. His clutch plays were instrumental in the Rams’ comeback victory.
Career Statistics
Since being drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Cooper Kupp has established himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers. As of January 2025, Kupp’s career NFL statistics are impressive:
Receptions: 634
Receiving Yards: 7,776
Touchdowns: 58
Average Yards per Reception: 12.3
Kupp’s 2021 season was historic beyond just the Super Bowl. He became only the second player in NFL history, joining Jerry Rice, to win the receiving triple crown (leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns), NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl MVP. His statistics for that remarkable season include:
Receptions: 145 (2nd all-time in a single season)
Receiving Yards: 1,947 (2nd all-time in a single season)
Touchdowns: 16
Postseason Excellence
Kupp’s postseason performance in 2021 was equally impressive. He set an NFL record with 33 receptions in a single postseason, while his 478 yards and six touchdowns ranked second in league playoff history.
Historical Context and Legacy
The Rams’ two Super Bowl victories came 22 years apart and represent different eras of the franchise. The first win occurred during the team’s time in St. Louis, while the second came after their return to Los Angeles. These victories and their respective MVPs bookend a period of significant change and growth for the Rams organization.
Warner and Kupp’s MVP performances highlight the Rams’ ability to develop talent and perform at the highest level on the NFL’s biggest stage. Their achievements have cemented their places in both Rams and NFL history, contributing to the franchise’s legacy of success.
Warner’s rise from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl MVP and eventual Hall of Famer is often cited as one of the greatest underdog stories in NFL history. His career, which saw him overcome numerous obstacles, inspires many aspiring players.
Kupp, on the other hand, represents the modern era of wide receivers. His route-running precision, football IQ, and chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford have made him one of the most productive receivers in the league. His 2021 season, culminating in Super Bowl MVP honors is considered one of the most outstanding single-season performances by a wide receiver in NFL history.
As the Rams look to the future, Warner and Kupp’s legacies serve as a reminder of the franchise’s ability to produce and nurture elite talent. Their Super Bowl MVP performances will forever be etched in the annals of Rams history, inspiring future generations of players to strive for excellence on the NFL’s biggest stage.
