Every non-quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP this century

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Dexter Jackson holds the up the MVP trophy (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images) /

Dexter Jackson – MVP of Super Bowl XXXVII

When the Buccaneers beat the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, it was the defense that paved the way for Tampa. Dexter Jackson, a corner for the Buccaneers who had been a ball hawk for their secondary, ended up receiving Super Bowl MVP.

The Buccaneers went on to win the Super Bowl, 48-21, and gave Jon Gruden bragging rights over the franchise that traded him. The Bucs defense had five total interceptions off of Rich Gannon and because he snagged two of those five picks, Jackson was able to win Super Bowl MVP.

Jackson finished the game with two interceptions, both coming in the first half. Teammate Dwight Smith had two interceptions as well, returning both of them for touchdowns and that has been a talking point over the years.

Why did Jackson receive it over Smith? Both players had two interceptions, but Smith scored 12 points while Jackson didn’t score any. It wasn’t crazy to give Super Bowl MVP to a Bucs defensive player (if anyone on offense deserved it, running back Michael Pittman would have been a clear choice), but awarding it to Jackson over Smith was a strange decision.

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