Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford are easily two of the most likable quarterbacks in the NFL.
The fact both are set to square off in the Super Bowl means it will be hard for neutral fans to pick a side.
Both signal-callers have a unique story on how they got this far.
But one thing they have in common is that they are both former No. 1 overall picks in the NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals took Burrow at No. 1 in 2020 and he has turned the franchise around in record time.
Stafford was drafted No. 1 overall by the Detroit Lions in 2009 and is finally experiencing postseason success in his first season with the Los Angeles Rams.
This means we have two former top picks fighting for Super Bowl glory.
Has this ever happened before?
Yes, on one occasion.
Joe Burrow vs Matthew Stafford will be the 2nd starting QB matchup between No. 1 overall picks in the Super Bowl.
Peyton Manning defeated Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50. pic.twitter.com/uauAEmfUS0
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 31, 2022
It took 50 years for this to happen when Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos took down Cam Newton‘s Carolina Panthers.
Yet the showdown between Burrow and Stafford has another unique quality to it.
A Showdown Of No. 1 Picks
The unique thing here is that Burrow and Stafford are each in their first Super Bowl.
Manning had won a title with the Indianapolis Colts before he guided the Broncos to Super Bowl 50.
This year we have two quarterbacks on this stage for the first time.
Joe Burrow vs Matthew Stafford gotta be one of the most likable QB matchups in Super Bowl history.
— Chris Castellani (@Castellani2014) January 31, 2022
Both notched their respective postseason victories this year, although it only took Burrow his first full season as a starter to do that.
The young Bengals quarterback is trying to launch a dynasty in Cincinnati and can start that process with a win.
Stafford, meanwhile, is hoping for a second act in Los Angeles that makes fans forget about all the struggles he faced in Detroit.
NEXT: New Broncos HC Offers Hilarious Challenge To Former Boss