what happens if the super bowl ends in a tie
If the Super Bowl is tied at the end of regulation, the game does not end in a tie; it keeps going with special playoff overtime rules until one team wins.
Quick Scoop
Can the Super Bowl end in a tie?
- No, the Super Bowl cannot end in a tie under current NFL rules.
- Unlike regular-season games, postseason games (including the Super Bowl) must produce a winner, even if it takes multiple overtime periods.
What actually happens?
- Overtime starts
- A coin toss decides which team gets the ball first.
* Overtime periods in the Super Bowl are 15 minutes long, like a full quarter.
- Both teams get the ball
- Since the 2022 rule change, both teams are guaranteed at least one possession in playoff overtime, including the Super Bowl.
* The only early exception would be if the receiving team gives up a safety on its first drive, which ends the game immediately.
- Next score wins
- If the game is still tied after each team has had one possession, it moves to sudden death: the next score of any kind (touchdown, field goal, or safety) wins.
* Extra points after a walk-off touchdown are not tried because the game ends the moment the scoring play is completed.
- If it’s still tied after one OT
- Another 15‑minute overtime period begins, with a short intermission in between.
* This can repeat as many times as necessary; the game continues until someone finally scores and a champion is decided.
Regular season vs. Super Bowl (overtime rules)
| Situation | Regular Season | Super Bowl / Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime length | One 10‑minute period. | [9]15‑minute periods, repeated as needed. | [7][1]
| Game can end in a tie? | Yes, if still tied after OT. | [9]No, play continues until a winner is determined. | [5][7]
| Both teams guaranteed a possession? | No, if first team scores a TD on opening drive, game ends. | [9]Yes, both teams must have the ball at least once (with safety exception). | [1][7]
| Number of OT periods | Max one; then tie. | [9]No fixed limit; new overtime periods until someone wins. | [5][7][1]
Why this matters now
- Recent years (including the 2020s) brought extra attention to overtime fairness, prompting the rule change guaranteeing both teams a possession in the playoffs.
- With modern offenses and close Super Bowls, fans and analysts often revisit the question of “what happens if the Super Bowl ends in a tie?” , especially right before each year’s big game.
In short, if the Super Bowl is tied after four quarters, you just keep playing more football—overtime after overtime—until someone finally scores and becomes champion.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
