When the confetti falls and a champion is crowned at the end of every NFL season, millions of fans watch the trophy presentation, the smiles, the tears, and—of course—the glorious Super Bowl rings. These rings symbolize more than victory; they’re treasured keepsakes that represent months of dedication, pain, and teamwork. But a lingering question piques the curiosity of fans and collectors alike: Do Super Bowl losers get rings too? And more broadly, do both teams get Super Bowl rings?
The Prestige of the Super Bowl Ring
Super Bowl rings are the crown jewel of NFL success. More than just jewelry, they’re custom-designed symbols of hard-earned achievement, loyalty, and triumph. Commissioned by the winning team’s owner, these rings are typically crafted with eye-popping luxury—precious metals, diamonds, and intricate engravings—showcasing both the team’s name and the specific Super Bowl win.
They’re also extremely exclusive. Only the members of the winning organization—players, coaches, executives, and sometimes even support staff—receive these rings. Their value? Priceless to the recipient, and often tens of thousands of dollars on the market.
But what about the other side of the equation?
Do Super Bowl Losers Get Rings?
Yes, but not the kind that dazzle the headlines.
Players and staff on the losing Super Bowl team receive what’s known as an AFC or NFC Championship ring, depending on which conference they belong to. These rings serve as recognition for winning their respective conference title and making it all the way to the Super Bowl—a significant feat in itself.
So technically, while the runners-up don’t receive the Super Bowl champion rings, they do walk away with hardware commemorating their achievements. This leads many fans to ask a subtle but crucial question: Do both teams get Super Bowl rings? The answer is no—only the winning team gets Super Bowl rings, while the losing team gets conference championship rings.
What Are AFC and NFC Championship Rings?
AFC and NFC Championship rings are awarded to the teams that win their respective conference championships and thus earn a spot in the Super Bowl. These rings are generally smaller in size and less extravagant than Super Bowl rings, but they still represent a high level of success and recognition.
The individual franchises also handle the process for these rings. Team owners can choose the design and quality of the rings, meaning some teams may opt for more elaborate designs than others, even for second-place honors.
For players, these rings serve as a bittersweet reminder of a hard-fought season that fell just short of glory. For fans and collectors, they offer a unique insight into the journey toward football’s greatest stage.
The Historical Context: When Did This Start?
The tradition of awarding Super Bowl rings began with the very first Super Bowl in 1967. The Green Bay Packers, victors over the Kansas City Chiefs, received the inaugural set of Super Bowl rings. Over the decades, the rings have grown more elaborate and valuable, often mirroring technological and design advancements.
The practice of awarding conference championship rings to the Super Bowl runners-up developed in parallel. It wasn’t always as common or formalized, but today, it’s standard practice. It’s a way to honor the achievement of reaching the final game of the season—a feat only two out of 32 NFL teams can claim each year.
Who Pays for the Rings?
The NFL covers a portion of the cost for up to 150 rings for the Super Bowl-winning team. The team must pay for any extra rings or additional customization expenses. This typically includes rings for players, coaches, executives, and often staff members such as trainers and equipment personnel.
The full cost of the conference championship rings given to the losing Super Bowl team is borne by that team. Based on budget and sentiment, owners can decide how extravagant or minimal the rings will be.
This financial model underscores an important truth: even second place in the NFL comes with a price—and a reward.
How Do Players Feel About Conference Championship Rings?
Reactions among players can vary.
Some embrace their conference championship rings with pride. After all, making it to the Super Bowl is an elite achievement that many NFL veterans never experience in their careers. These rings can be seen as a milestone—proof of success on a grand stage.
Others, however, see them as painful reminders of what could have been. Some players admit to storing them away or even declining them altogether, viewing the loss as too disappointing to commemorate.
Regardless of the individual perspective, the rings remain a tangible part of NFL history and are respected by fans and collectors alike.
Memorable Cases of Super Bowl Losers Getting Rings
Let’s look at a few instances that highlight how conference championship rings have become a part of the NFL’s culture:
1. 2015 Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl XLIX)
After a heart-wrenching loss to the New England Patriots, the Seahawks received NFC Championship rings. While the team was devastated, especially due to the dramatic goal-line interception that sealed their fate, many players still acknowledged the rings as a testament to their strong season.
2. 2017 Atlanta Falcons (Super Bowl LI)
Following their infamous 28-3 collapse against the Patriots, the Falcons’ NFC Championship rings became a symbol of both pride and heartbreak. Though the loss stung, especially given the historic nature of the comeback, the rings still marked an impressive season and one of the most unforgettable games in Super Bowl history.
3. 2008 Arizona Cardinals (Super Bowl XLIII)
After narrowly losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cardinals received NFC Championship rings to honor their unexpected and inspiring playoff run. For a team not typically considered a perennial contender, this ring symbolized a breakthrough season.
These examples show that while Super Bowl glory is reserved for one team, recognition doesn’t entirely elude the runner-up.
How Common Are Conference Championship Rings Among Fans?
While Super Bowl rings are rarely available outside of the team circles, replica conference championship rings are widely collected by fans. These replicas provide a way for fans to share in the success of their favorite teams, even in seasons that didn’t result in a Super Bowl win.
Collectors and die-hard fans often see these rings as badges of loyalty, commemorating seasons filled with unforgettable moments, big plays, and deep playoff runs. The emotional resonance of these rings shouldn’t be underestimated—they capture the spirit and story of a team’s journey.
Do Staff and Coaches Also Receive Conference Rings?
Yes. Much like with Super Bowl rings, it’s common for team staff, assistant coaches, front-office personnel, and even support crew to receive rings for winning the conference title. The decision on how many and to whom they are distributed rests entirely with the team ownership.
These rings are important for morale and recognition. Football is a team sport on every level, and acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved, on and off the field, is vital to team culture.
Why the Question “Do Both Teams Get Super Bowl Rings?” Matters
It’s more than just curiosity—it’s about understanding how recognition is structured in professional sports.
The assumption that both teams get Super Bowl rings stems from the grandeur of the event. With so much fanfare around the Super Bowl, it’s natural to wonder if both participants receive the same level of acknowledgment. But as we’ve seen, only the winning team gets Super Bowl rings. The losing team gets AFC or NFC Championship rings instead.
This distinction is important because it maintains the exclusivity and prestige of the Super Bowl ring while still honoring the efforts of those who came close.
The Collector’s Angle: Why Every Ring Tells a Story
Whether it’s a Super Bowl ring or a conference championship ring, each piece tells a rich story—of grit, of close games, of legendary comebacks, and sometimes of heartbreaking losses.
Collectors treasure these rings not just for their design, but for what they represent: a moment frozen in time, a chapter in a team’s legacy, a testament to excellence under pressure.
Owning a replica of such a ring offers fans a physical connection to those moments. It brings them closer to the drama, the triumph, and the heartbreak of professional football.
Recognition Beyond the Scoreboard
To wrap it up: Do Super Bowl losers get rings? Yes—but not the same as the winners. To clarify further, do both teams get Super Bowl rings? No—only the champions do. However, the journey to the Super Bowl doesn’t go unrecognized. The losing team walks away with conference championship rings that acknowledge their accomplishments and season-long resilience.
While these rings might not hold the same glory as the Lombardi Trophy, they carry their own weight in meaning, emotion, and history. For players, coaches, and fans alike, they are symbols of a team’s near-conquest of the NFL’s highest peak.
Find Your Perfect Championship Rings
At Discount Sports Rings, we believe that every great story deserves a symbol. Whether you’re a fan, a collector, or part of a team that came close to glory, we’ve got something for you. Explore our collection of sports rings and choose from a variety of designs that celebrate championship greatness—whether you’re honoring a win or commemorating the journey.
Shop now and wear your pride with style.
