Biggest Super Bowl Comebacks: Most Improbable Wins in Super Bowl History
The Super Bowl has produced some of the most dramatic comeback victories in sports history. From the historic 28-3 miracle to last-second field goals, these are the games that defied every expectation.
Super Bowl LI (2017)
25-point deficitThe Patriots trailed 28-3 midway through the third quarter before mounting the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, winning in the first-ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLIX (2015)
10-point deficitThe Patriots trailed by 10 points entering the fourth quarter before Tom Brady led a game-winning drive capped by a Julian Edelman touchdown catch.
Super Bowl XLIII (2009)
3-point deficitThe Cardinals took a late lead in the fourth quarter before the Steelers drove down the field for a Santonio Holmes touchdown catch with 35 seconds remaining.
Super Bowl XXXII (1998)
3-point deficitThe Broncos trailed into the fourth quarter before John Elway's famous helicopter play and Terrell Davis's MVP performance carried Denver to their first championship.
Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004)
1-point deficitThe Patriots trailed late before Adam Vinatieri hit the game-winning field goal with four seconds left, the second time Vinatieri won a Super Bowl on a last-second kick.
Comeback Data at a Glance
| Game | Year | Deficit | Final Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Bowl LI | 2017 | 28-3 | 34-28 OT | New England Patriots |
| Super Bowl XLIX | 2015 | 24-14 | 28-24 | New England Patriots |
| Super Bowl XLIII | 2009 | 23-20 | 27-23 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Super Bowl XXXII | 1998 | 17-14 | 31-24 | Denver Broncos |
| Super Bowl XXXVIII | 2004 | 22-21 | 32-29 | New England Patriots |
The Greatest Comeback in Sports History
Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017, produced the single greatest comeback in Super Bowl history — and arguably in all of professional sports. The Atlanta Falcons led the New England Patriots 28-3 in the third quarter, a deficit so severe that no team in Super Bowl history had ever recovered from more than 10 points down. Tom Brady, who had thrown an interception returned for a touchdown, was looking at the most lopsided loss of his career.
What followed was a masterclass in composure. Brady completed 25 of his final 34 passes after halftime, throwing two touchdown passes and running in another. James White rushed for a score, and the Patriots' defense finally came alive to force a fumble recovery that kept the drive alive. The game went to overtime — the first in Super Bowl history — and the Patriots won on James White's walk-off rushing touchdown.
The 25-point deficit remains the largest comeback in Super Bowl history by a margin of 15 points over any other game on this list.
What Makes Super Bowl Comebacks Special
Regular season comebacks happen weekly across the NFL. The Super Bowl adds layers of pressure, stakes, and scrutiny that magnify every moment. Teams that trail in the Super Bowl face not just the football challenge of scoring more points, but the psychological weight of a nation watching and a locker room aware that their careers and legacy are on the line.
The Patriots appear in three of the five biggest Super Bowl comebacks, a testament to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady's ability to keep their team composed when the game seems lost. Their culture of "do your job" and situational focus gave them a structural advantage in high-pressure moments that no other franchise has replicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for February 2027. The exact date and location will be officially announced by the NFL. The game typically takes place on the first Sunday of February.
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