Which NFL teams have never played in the Super Bowl? It's a short list
- - Which NFL teams have never played in the Super Bowl? It's a short list
Josh Peter, USA TODAYJanuary 15, 2026 at 7:01 AM
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It is the Promised Land.
The pinnacle of Roman numerals.
The grandest stage in sports.
We’re talking about the Super Bowl, of course.
Of the NFL’s 32 teams, 28 have reached the big game that spawns big theatrics. Quarterback Joe Namath predicted his New York Jets would upset the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl 3, then delivered with a 16-7 victory. The New England Patriots rallied past the Atlanta Falcons despite trailing 28-3 in Super Bowl 51. And at the halftime show at Super Bowl 38, Janet Jackson experienced her infamous wardrobe malfunction.
And speaking of malfunction…
Four NFL teams have failed to play in the big game, much less win it. That sad fact may change when the 60th Super Bowl is played Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California, at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.
So without further adieu, let’s meet those sad-faced teams.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have suffered heartache, none so intense as in 1986, 1987 and 1989 – their three appearances in the AFC championship game. They lost all three to the Denver Broncos.
The most painful one involved "The Drive." Broncos quarterback John Elway drove Denver 98 yards on 15 plays and, with 37 second left in regulation, the Broncos tied the game at 20-20.
The Browns lost in overtime, 23-20.
Denver Broncos receiver Mark Jackson (80) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the final minute of the AFC championship game against the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 11, 1987.
In 1995, Cleveland turned its collective fury on Browns owner Art Modell when he announced he was moving the team to Baltimore. When the NFL awarded Cleveland an expansion franchise in 1999, some fans thought with Modell gone, the Super Bowl drought might finally end.
Since then, the Browns have won only one playoff game.
Nothing captures the Browns’ version of dysfunction more than the team having had 42 starting quarterbacks since 1999. That includes Deshaun Watson, who the Browns acquired in 2022 through a blockbuster trade that turned out to be a blockheaded trade.
Watson will go down in Browns infamy, a crowded room reserved for the likes of Johnny Manziel and Tim Couch.
But can Shedeur Sanders, the Browns' 42nd starting quarterback since 1999, lead the Browns to the Promised Land?
Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
">Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_LFXwo6Xzrv.qxCjjtV_mA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODQw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed16c7e5bf74069a0c9e68181cf80055 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
">Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aiHQBd9wTZcNde0ssBWr_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8210c9b2c0f5daaf02203265cfe5122d class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
">Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aiHQBd9wTZcNde0ssBWr_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8210c9b2c0f5daaf02203265cfe5122d class=caas-img>
Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f9j2QV8cyk1aJBp1a52E0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7058d95db5b07bb9d01a847ffcd0b494 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
">Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f9j2QV8cyk1aJBp1a52E0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7058d95db5b07bb9d01a847ffcd0b494 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
">Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
">Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nVulejD3RYoro_cHkMA..A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7cfad24b8450f1dea645e14a4d4b2fe class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
">Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nVulejD3RYoro_cHkMA..A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7cfad24b8450f1dea645e14a4d4b2fe class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
">Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
">Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img>Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
">Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
">Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl: One great image from each game" data-caption="
Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
">Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img>
1 / 48Super Bowl: One great image from each gameSuper Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10): Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor (31) follows the blocks of Jerry Kramer (64), Marv Fleming (81) and Forrest Gregg (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.Detroit Lions
The Lions know abject losing, cruelty and squandered opportunity.
Case in point: During the Hall of Fame career of Barry Sanders, the Lions won a single playoff game.
In 2023, the Lions reached the NFC championship game for only the second time in franchise history and at halftime led the San Francisco 49ers 24-7. Did we mention squandered opportunity?
The Lions lost the game, 34-31.
Last year, the Lions entered the playoffs widely regarded as a favorite to win the Super Bowl. And they were 9.5-point favorites against the Washington Commanders in their playoff opener in Detroit.
Then history reared its ugly head, and the Lions suffered a stunning 45-31 loss.
The team’s all-time playoff record is 9-15, which did not need to be this season after the Lions failed to make the postseason.
Houston Texans
The Texans have not suffered the same shame and misery as have the Browns and Lions. After all, the Texans didn’t have their inaugural season until 2002, meaning they’ve only been eligible for 25 Super Bowls, counting the one being played this year.
Houston is two victories away from reaching the big game. It would require the Texans to beat the New England Patriots in a divisional playoff matchup and then prevail in the AFC championship game against the winner of the divisional matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos.
The Texans have never played in the AFC championship game; the team has won only wild card games.
The team’s all-time playoff record is 7-8 − 7-2 in wild card games and 0-6 in divisional games.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Like the Texans, the Jaguars deserve some grace. The team did not make its NFL debut until 1995. Remarkably, the Jaguars reached the AFC championship game in only their second season before losing to the New England Patriots.
The Jaguars have reached the AFC championship game twice more, losing to the Tennessee Titans 33-14 in January 2000 and squaring off against the Patriots again in January 2018.
The Jaguars led the Patriots 20-10 early in the fourth quarter on the road before Tom Brady rallied the Patriots to a 24-20 victory.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which NFL teams have never played in the Super Bowl? The list
Source: “AOL Sports”
