History has not favored quarterbacks who lose in their first Super Bowl appearance, particularly over the last 30 years. Jalen Hurts has ended this peculiar trend with a 48-23 victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game. Hurts is the first quarterback to lose his Super Bowl debut as a starter and later return to the championship game since Jim Kelly in 1992.
QBs to lose Super Bowl debut and not return – since 1991
| QB | Year |
|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 2023 |
| Jalen Hurts | Ended in 2024 season |
| Joe Burrow | 2021 |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | 2019 |
| Jared Goff | 2018 |
| Matt Ryan | 2016 |
| Cam Newton | 2015 |
Summary
Hurts marks a significant moment in NFL history, becoming the eighth quarterback to reach the Super Bowl in their first five seasons as a starter, breaking a 33-year streak that saw quarterbacks lose their Super Bowl debuts without returning.
