The Super Bowl is the grandest stage in professional football, a game that often requires years of experience and mental fortitude to reach. Many legendary quarterbacks have fought for decades to get there, but Kordell Stewart accomplished something no other rookie quarterback in NFL history has ever done—he took a snap in the Super Bowl as a rookie.
While Stewart wasn’t the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX, his unique role as a versatile playmaker allowed him to be part of history when he stepped onto the field. More than 25 years later, no other rookie quarterback has taken a snap in the big game, making Stewart’s achievement one of the most underrated milestones in Super Bowl history.
Stewart’s Rookie Season and Super Bowl XXX Appearance
Kordell Stewart was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft. At the time, he was known for his incredible athleticism, strong arm, and ability to play multiple positions. While the Steelers already had veteran quarterback Neil O’Donnell leading the team, Stewart was used as a Swiss Army knife in their offense—a role that would later earn him the nickname “Slash” due to his ability to play quarterback, wide receiver, and even running back.
During the 1995 season, Stewart primarily contributed as a gadget player, occasionally lining up at quarterback but also catching passes and running the ball. His explosiveness and versatility made him an important weapon for Pittsburgh, helping the team advance to Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys.
In that Super Bowl, Stewart made history by becoming the first and only rookie quarterback to take a snap in the game. While he wasn’t the starter, he lined up at quarterback for at least one play, officially recording his name in the Super Bowl record books.
Why No Other Rookie QB Has Done It Since
Stewart’s feat is even more impressive considering how difficult it is for rookie quarterbacks to reach the Super Bowl, let alone play in it. There are a few key reasons why no other rookie QB has taken a snap in the Super Bowl since:
- Few Rookie QBs Even Reach the Super Bowl
- The NFL is a league where experience matters, and most teams do not reach the Super Bowl with a rookie quarterback at the helm. Only a handful of rookie QBs have ever made deep playoff runs, and none have started in the Super Bowl.
- The Slash Factor
- Stewart was not a traditional rookie quarterback. His ability to play multiple positions allowed him to get on the field in a way that other rookie QBs couldn’t. Most rookie QBs spend their first year developing, but Stewart’s versatility allowed him to contribute in a unique way.
- Coaches Trust Veterans in Big Games
- Teams reaching the Super Bowl generally rely on their most experienced players. Even talented rookies typically sit behind veteran quarterbacks in these high-pressure games.
Kordell Stewart’s Legacy
While Stewart’s rookie snap in the Super Bowl was brief, his career went on to be highly impactful. He later became the full-time starting quarterback for the Steelers, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2001 and leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. His ability to play multiple positions and redefine the quarterback role paved the way for modern dual-threat QBs like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts.
Conclusion
Kordell Stewart remains the only rookie quarterback in NFL history to take a snap in the Super Bowl, a record that has stood for over 28 years. His unique role as “Slash” and his ability to contribute as a rookie on the sport’s biggest stage set him apart from every other quarterback in history. Until another rookie QB gets the opportunity, Stewart’s name will remain in the record books as the only one to accomplish this incredible feat.
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