Richard Dent was the MVP of Super Bowl XX between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots. The Bears won 46–10 on January 26, 1986, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, completing a dominant championship performance by their celebrated 1985 defense.
Dent, Chicago’s defensive end, pressured Patriots quarterback Tony Eason and finished with 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a blocked pass. His disruptive performance helped the Bears overwhelm New England, whose offense managed only 10 points. Dent became the first defensive lineman to win the Super Bowl MVP award.
The game is often remembered for Chicago’s colorful roster and high-profile stars, including quarterback Jim McMahon, running back Walter Payton, and defensive tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry. However, Payton did not score a touchdown in the game, while Perry scored one on a memorable goal-line play. Those moments can make other players seem like likely MVP choices, but the official award went to Dent.
Super Bowl XX was the Patriots’ first Super Bowl appearance and the Bears’ second. Chicago’s 36-point victory remains one of the most lopsided results in Super Bowl history.