Throughout Super Bowl history, winning teams have been buttressed just as much by unexpected players as they have been by established superstars. Who expected Malcolm Butler to pick off Russell Wilson’s skinny slant in Super Bowl XLIX, or Nick Foles to put up an MVP performance in Super Bowl LII, or for David Tyree to make that helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII, or for Rod Martin to pick off three passes in Super Bowl XV?
We can go all the way back to the first Super Bowl, when Packers receiver Max McGee blew up the Chiefs’ triple stack defense for seven receptions, 138 yards, and two touchdowns — most likely with very little sleep from certain extracurricular activities the night before.
So, when we get heavy into the 56th version of the NFL’s biggest game, here are 14 under-the-radar players who could have a similar transformative impact, and their potential ascents turning into rings for them, and all of their teammates and coaches.
Here are the Secret Superstars of Super Bowl LVI.
