What NFL Team Has Never Won A Super Bowl? The Unlucky Dozen

Murray Yost 30 Jul 2025

Every year, football fans around the globe watch with bated breath as two teams battle it out for the ultimate prize: the Lombardi Trophy. Some NFL teams have scored multiple Lombardi trophies, raising them high in triumph, a moment etched forever in history. Think about those iconic franchises with their championship banners proudly displayed; it's quite a sight, really. Yet, for every team that has tasted that sweet victory, there's another side to the story, a different path entirely.

It's almost incredible to think about, but while many franchises have enjoyed the glory of a Super Bowl win, not every NFL team has won a Super Bowl. You might be surprised to learn there is much more than just one team that has yet to win the big game, and that, is a pretty significant number of franchises still waiting for their moment. This is a common question among football enthusiasts, wondering which teams are still searching for their first Lombardi trophy. It's a question that brings up a lot of emotions for fans of these particular teams, too.

So, which NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl? It's a fascinating question, revealing a part of football history that's full of longing and near misses. We're going to take a closer look at these teams, the ones who are still hoping to hoist that coveted trophy. Let's find out here which teams are still searching for their first Lombardi trophy, and perhaps, how close they've come to getting off this list. It's a story of perseverance, and sometimes, a little bit of heartbreak, for their loyal supporters.

The Unlucky Dozen: A Closer Look
Teams with Multiple Super Bowl Appearances But No Wins
Teams Who Have Played in the Super Bowl Once But Not Won
The Teams Who Have Never Even Made It to the Super Bowl
Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Wins
What's Next for These Teams?

The Unlucky Dozen: A Closer Look

As of 2024, 12 total NFL teams have not won a Super Bowl, which is, honestly, a pretty significant number when you think about it. Twelve franchises have never won a Super Bowl, and four of them have yet to even play in the big game throughout their history. That is even more crazy when you think about how 12 NFL teams have never won even one Super Bowl. Most NFL teams haven't been so fortunate, though, and these franchises really stand out for their persistent pursuit of that elusive championship. It's a long list, and for fans, it's a source of both hope and, sometimes, a little bit of sadness, too.

The teams that have never won a Super Bowl are: the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans. So, you can see, it's quite a collection of teams from different eras and different parts of the country. Plus, five of the 12 teams that have never won a Super Bowl have lost in the big game multiple times, which is a tough pill to swallow for their supporters, obviously.

Eight of those franchises have been to the Super Bowl at least once, while the other four have never made an appearance. This distinction is pretty important, as it separates teams that have had a shot at the title from those still waiting for their first taste of the championship atmosphere. It shows just how difficult it is to even reach the Super Bowl, let alone win it. Listed below are the 12 teams and a brief history of how close they've come to getting off this list, which is, in a way, a testament to their efforts, even if the ultimate prize remains out of reach.

Teams with Multiple Super Bowl Appearances But No Wins

Some teams have made it to the biggest stage more than once, only to fall short each time. This is a particularly tough experience for fans, as the hope builds, only to be dashed again and again. It's like reaching the top of a mountain, but never quite planting the flag, you know? These teams have shown incredible resilience to get there, but the final hurdle has just proven too high, sadly. The Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings are tied for the most Super Bowl appearances without an actual victory (4), which is a truly remarkable, if heartbreaking, statistic.

Buffalo Bills: The Four Straight Heartbreaks

The Buffalo Bills' story is one of the most famous, or perhaps infamous, in Super Bowl history. They made it to the Super Bowl four times in a row, from 1991 to 1994, which is an incredible achievement in itself, honestly. However, they lost all four of those games, a streak that is unmatched and incredibly painful for their loyal fanbase. Their first loss, Super Bowl XXV, was by a single point, a wide field goal attempt sailing just wide as time expired, which is, basically, as close as you can get to winning without actually doing it. This team, led by legendary players, truly captured the hearts of many, yet the Lombardi Trophy always eluded them, in some respects. It's a story of greatness that just didn't quite finish the way everyone hoped, and it still stings for many, even today.

Minnesota Vikings: Always a Contender, Never a Champion

Like the Bills, the Minnesota Vikings have also appeared in four Super Bowls, and similarly, they have yet to claim a victory. Their appearances came earlier, in the 1970s, with their last trip to the big game in Super Bowl XI. The "Purple People Eaters" defense of that era was legendary, a truly dominant force on the field, yet they couldn't seal the deal. For decades, the Vikings have fielded competitive teams, often reaching the NFC Championship game, only to stumble just short of the Super Bowl, or lose once they get there. It's a pattern that has left their passionate fans waiting for a breakthrough, a moment of ultimate glory that just hasn't arrived yet, which is, rather frustrating for them, I imagine.

Cincinnati Bengals: Two Close Calls

The Cincinnati Bengals have made it to the Super Bowl three times, and they've been incredibly close to winning on a couple of those occasions. Their first two appearances, in Super Bowls XVI and XXIII, saw them face off against the San Francisco 49ers, losing both times by very narrow margins, which is, pretty tough luck. More recently, they surprised many by making a run to Super Bowl LVI in 2022, only to fall to the Los Angeles Rams in a hard-fought contest. This recent trip gave their fans a fresh wave of hope, showing that the team has the potential to reach the pinnacle. However, the wait for that first championship continues for the Bengals, a journey that has seen them nearly grasp the trophy, only for it to slip away, sadly. They've shown a lot of grit, though, which is something to admire.

Atlanta Falcons: The 28-3 Saga

The Atlanta Falcons have reached the Super Bowl twice in their history. Their first appearance was in Super Bowl XXXIII, where they were defeated by the Denver Broncos. However, their second trip, Super Bowl LI, is perhaps one of the most talked-about games in recent memory, and it's a story that truly defines "close call." The Falcons held a commanding 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots in the third quarter, seemingly on their way to their first championship, which was, quite a lead, honestly. What followed was an epic collapse, as the Patriots mounted an improbable comeback to win in overtime. This loss was, for many Falcons fans, a deeply painful experience, a moment where victory felt so certain, only to vanish. It remains a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in the biggest game, and it’s a story that still gets discussed quite often, as a matter of fact.

Carolina Panthers: A Pair of Painful Losses

The Carolina Panthers, a relatively newer franchise compared to some others, have made two trips to the Super Bowl. Their first appearance came in Super Bowl XXXVIII, where they played a thrilling game against the New England Patriots, losing by a field goal in the final seconds, which was, truly a nail-biter. Their second trip was in Super Bowl 50, where they faced the Denver Broncos. Despite having an MVP quarterback, they struggled offensively and ultimately lost that game, too. For a team that hasn't been around as long as some of the others, reaching the Super Bowl twice is an accomplishment, to be sure. However, the ultimate goal has remained just out of reach, leaving their fans with the desire for that first championship still burning strong. It shows how hard it is to get over that final hurdle, you know?

Teams Who Have Played in the Super Bowl Once But Not Won

Then there are the teams who have had their single shot at the Lombardi Trophy, making it to the grand stage, but just couldn't quite seal the deal. For these franchises, that one Super Bowl appearance represents their closest brush with immortality, a moment of immense pride mixed with the lingering regret of what could have been. It's a unique kind of heartache, knowing you were right there, but didn't quite get across the finish line. Each of these teams has a story of that one big game, and how it shaped their history, which is, pretty impactful for their fans.

Arizona Cardinals: A Near Miracle

The Arizona Cardinals have made one Super Bowl appearance in their long history, reaching Super Bowl XLIII. This game was an absolute classic, a back-and-forth battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cardinals, led by their veteran quarterback, made a thrilling comeback in the fourth quarter, taking the lead with just minutes left, which was, quite a turnaround. However, the Steelers ultimately scored a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds, snatching victory away from Arizona. For a franchise that has experienced many lean years, this Super Bowl run was a truly special time for their fans, a moment of unexpected joy and belief. The loss was a tough one to take, as it felt like destiny was within their grasp, but it just wasn't meant to be, sadly. It was a very memorable game, though, in many ways.

Los Angeles Chargers: One Shot at Glory

The Los Angeles Chargers, formerly the San Diego Chargers, have also had one Super Bowl appearance. This came in Super Bowl XXIX, where they faced a formidable San Francisco 49ers team. Unfortunately for the Chargers, that game didn't go their way, as the 49ers put on a dominant performance. Despite having some truly talented players throughout their history, the Chargers have struggled to consistently reach the deepest parts of the playoffs. That single Super Bowl trip remains their closest approach to a championship, a memory that, for their fans, represents both the height of their team's achievement and the frustration of not quite reaching the ultimate goal. It's a long road back for them, in some respects, to get another shot like that.

Tennessee Titans: Inches Away from History

The Tennessee Titans have one Super Bowl appearance to their name, Super Bowl XXXIV, and it was one of the most dramatic finishes in the game's history. For many football fans, it will be hard to ever forget the time the Tennessee Titans made it to the Super Bowl, losing in the final. They faced the St. Louis Rams, and in the game's final play, with the Titans needing a touchdown to tie, their receiver was tackled just one yard short of the goal line as time expired, which was, literally, inches away from forcing overtime. This moment, known as "The Tackle," is iconic for its sheer heartbreak and the incredible closeness of the outcome. It's a moment that perfectly encapsulates the fine margins in professional football, and for Titans fans, it's a constant reminder of how incredibly close they came to etching their name into Super Bowl lore. It was a truly stunning finish, actually.

The Teams Who Have Never Even Made It to the Super Bowl

While making it to the Super Bowl and losing is tough, there's another group of teams that have never even had the chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy. These four franchises represent a different kind of longing for their fans, a desire to simply experience the biggest game in professional sports. It's a unique challenge, just getting to that final stage, and for these teams, that hurdle has proven to be incredibly high. They're still waiting for their first taste of that championship week excitement, and that, is a very long wait for some of them, too.

Cleveland Browns: Pre-Super Bowl Success, Modern-Day Struggles

The Cleveland Browns have a fascinating history. The Browns had plenty of success before the Super Bowl era, winning seven titles in the team's first decade of existence, which is, truly remarkable. They were a dominant force in the earlier days of professional football, collecting multiple championships before the Super Bowl even existed. However, since the Super Bowl era began, the Browns have struggled significantly. They are one of the four teams that have never made it to the Super Bowl, let alone won one. Their history since the NFL-AFL merger has been marked by periods of difficulty, and their fans have endured a long wait for sustained success and a chance at the ultimate prize. It's a passionate fanbase, though, and they continue to hope for a return to glory, which is, pretty inspiring, in a way.

Detroit Lions: A Long Wait for the Big Game

The Detroit Lions are another historic franchise that has never made a Super Bowl appearance. Despite having some truly legendary players grace their roster over the decades, the Lions have consistently struggled to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Their fans are known for their unwavering loyalty, enduring seasons of disappointment with remarkable dedication. For many years, reaching the playoffs was a challenge, and getting close to the Super Bowl has been an even rarer feat. The Lions' long wait for a Super Bowl appearance is one of the most talked-about droughts in all of professional sports, and it's a narrative that their fans are desperate to change. They're always hoping that "this year" will be the one, you know?

Houston Texans: The Newest Franchise, Still Building

The Houston Texans are the newest franchise on this list, having joined the NFL in 2002. As a relatively young team, they haven't had as many opportunities as some of the older franchises to make a deep playoff run. While they have made it to the playoffs several times, they have yet to break through and reach the AFC Championship game, which is the final step before the Super Bowl. For the Texans, their story is still being written, and their fans are hopeful that with time, they will build a team capable of competing for and eventually reaching the Super Bowl. It's a journey that takes patience, and they're still very much in the building phase, in some respects.

Jacksonville Jaguars: A Young Team with Potential

The Jacksonville Jaguars, like the Texans, are a relatively newer expansion team, having joined the league in 1995. Despite their shorter history, they've had a couple of seasons where they came very close to making a Super Bowl appearance, particularly in the late 1990s and more recently in 2017. They've reached the AFC Championship game twice, falling just short of the big game on both occasions. For a team that has also experienced its share of struggles, those near-misses sting, showing how close they were to breaking through. Their fans continue to root for them, hoping that the team can build on its promising moments and finally get over the hump to play for the Lombardi Trophy. It's a journey with a lot of ups and downs, but the hope is always there, which is, pretty strong for them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Wins

People often wonder about the history of Super Bowl victories and the teams still waiting for their turn. Here are some common questions that come up.

How many teams have not won a Super Bowl?
As of 2024, twelve NFL teams have failed to capture football's greatest prize. This includes franchises with long histories and some newer ones, too. It's a significant portion of the league, really, still waiting for that ultimate win.

What are the longest Super Bowl droughts in NFL history, and which teams have never won the Super Bowl?
The longest Super Bowl droughts involve teams that have been around for a very long time without a championship. The Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, for example, have never even appeared in a Super Bowl, making their droughts particularly long and challenging for their fans. Then there are teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, who have had many appearances but no wins, which is, a different kind of long wait, too.

Which NFL teams have never won the Super Bowl?
The teams that have never won a Super Bowl are: the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tennessee Titans. So, that's the full list, covering a wide range of team stories and fan experiences, as a matter of fact.

What's Next for These Teams?

The quest for a Super Bowl victory is an ongoing saga for these twelve franchises. Each season brings renewed hope, a fresh start, and the chance to finally break the drought. For the fans of these teams, the anticipation is a core part of their football experience, a blend of passionate support and a deep desire to see their team reach the pinnacle. It's a powerful connection, really, between the team and its community.

Whether it's a team that has been agonizingly close multiple times, or one that's still waiting for its first Super Bowl appearance, the dream remains alive. The NFL is a league of constant change, and every year offers new opportunities for a breakthrough. Perhaps one of these teams will finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy soon, ending years of waiting and bringing immense joy to their dedicated supporters. You can learn more about NFL's Super Bowl history to see all the past champions. Learn more about the NFL on our site, and discover more team stories on this page . The journey continues for all of them, and it's always exciting to see who will make that final push.

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