Defense wins championships—and nowhere is that more evident than in the Super Bowl. Over the years, dominant pass rushes have changed the course of the biggest game in football, setting unforgettable sack records along the way. From individual defensive explosions to team-wide pressure that overwhelmed quarterbacks, here’s a complete look at the most sacks in Super Bowl history.
Most Career Sacks by a Player in Super Bowl History
Two legendary defenders share the record for most career sacks in Super Bowl games:
- Von Miller – 4.5 sacks
- Charles Haley – 4.5 sacks
Von Miller’s performances in Super Bowl 50 were especially memorable, as he terrorized Cam Newton and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. Charles Haley, meanwhile, made history by winning five Super Bowl rings while consistently pressuring quarterbacks across multiple championship appearances.
Most Sacks by a Player in a Single Super Bowl
The record for most sacks by one player in a single Super Bowl is 3 sacks, a feat accomplished by several elite defenders, including:
- Reggie White
- Kony Ealy
- Grady Jarrett
- Darnell Dockett
These performances often came in games where offensive lines simply had no answer for relentless edge pressure and interior disruption.
Most Team Sacks in a Super Bowl Game
The team record for sacks in a single Super Bowl is 7 sacks, achieved by four different defenses:
- Pittsburgh Steelers – Super Bowl X
- Chicago Bears – Super Bowl XX
- Denver Broncos – Super Bowl 50
- Los Angeles Rams – Super Bowl LVI
Each of these defenses controlled the game from start to finish, collapsing pockets and forcing quarterbacks into hurried decisions.
Most Times a Quarterback Was Sacked in a Super Bowl
The record for most sacks taken by a quarterback in a single Super Bowl is 7 sacks, shared by:
- Joe Burrow – Super Bowl LVI
- Roger Staubach – Super Bowl X
Despite strong individual performances, relentless defensive pressure proved too much in both games, underscoring how critical pass protection is on Super Bowl Sunday.
Why Sacks Matter So Much in the Super Bowl
Sacks don’t just stop drives—they:
- Flip field position
- Create turnovers
- Force conservative play-calling
- Break offensive rhythm
Historically, teams that dominate the pass rush in the Super Bowl almost always walk away with the Lombardi Trophy.
Final Takeaway
From Von Miller’s Super Bowl heroics to team defenses racking up seven sacks in a single game, the Super Bowl sack records tell a clear story: elite defense still rules the NFL’s biggest stage. As future Super Bowls unfold, these benchmarks remain the standard every pass rusher chases.