By Ron Kopczick, Promotions Coordinator
SUPER BOWL I
Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10 —
January 15, 1967 — Los Angeles, Calif.
History is about to be made, as professional sports
in the United States is forever changed with the inaugural Super
Bowl. But with only two-thirds of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
occupied for the First World Championship Game of the AFL vs. NFL, history is probably the
last thing on the minds of the Chiefs and Packers. Although "only"
61,946 purchase $10 tickets to witness the game that will later
be officially designated Super Bowl I, CBS and NBC televise the
contest. CBS is the network of the National Football League, while
NBC airs the American Football League. The networks paid $9.5 million
to broadcast the initial four Super Bowls. Thanks to the television
receipts, the winning Green Bay players take home $15,000 apiece,
while the Chiefs each receive $7,500. The shares are records for
an American team sport. Heavy favorites entering the game, the Packers
hold only a 14-10 halftime lead before scoring three second-half
touchdowns. One of the top quarterbacks of his era, Bart Starr is
named the inaugural Super Bowl MVP, as he passes for two touchdowns
and 250 yards.
SUPER BOWL II
Green Bay Packers 33, Oakland Raiders 14 — January
14, 1968 — Miami, Fla.
The Pack is back for one last hurrah, as Green
Bay has little trouble winning its second Super Bowl with a 33-14 humbling of the Oakland
Raiders. Tickets that couldn’t be given away a year ago in
Los Angeles, are gobbled-up by 75,546 fans who pay $12 each to nearly
fill Miami’s Orange Bowl. The turnout creates the first $3
million gate in the sport’s history. On the field, quarterback
Bart Starr again helps the Packers turn a close first-half game
into a convincing victory. After the first of two 23-yard touchdown
passes from Daryle Lamonica to Bill J. Miller cuts the Packers lead
to 13-7 with 6:15 left before halftime, Green Bay scores the next
20 points. Although Packers place-kicker Don Chandler scores 15
points on four field goals and three extra point conversions, Starr
repeats as Super Bowl MVP. Not only is the game the finale for Vince
Lombardi as Green Bay’s coach, but the Packers last Super Bowl
appearance until 1997.
SUPER BOWL III
New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7 — January
12, 1969 — Miami, Fla.
As soon as New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath,
guarantees his team will win Super Bowl III over the heavily favored
Colts, the jeers start. After all, Baltimore had finished the regular
season 13-1 and demolished the Cleveland Browns 34-0 in the NFL
title game. Besides, how could an upstart AFL team defeat a squad
from the superior NFL in what was now officially recognized as the
Super Bowl? Well, Namath throws for 206 yards, Matt Snell runs for
121 more, and the Jets defense intercepts four Baltimore passes.
By the time the Colts get on the scoreboard, only 3:19 remains in
the game. And the possibility of Baltimore scoring 10 more points
before time expires is as likely as a blizzard blanketing the Orange
Bowl by nightfall. For his visionary performance, that amazes the
crowd of 75,389 and millions of sports fans across the nation, Namath
is named Super Bowl MVP.
SUPER BOWL IV
Kansas City Chiefs 23, Minnesota Vikings 7 —
January 11, 1970 — New Orleans, La.
Thanks to the Jets’ stunning upset the year
before, the Kansas City Chiefs have the opportunity to take a final
stand for the AFL and permanently even up the Super Bowl series
at two games apiece. Prior to the start of the 1970 season, the
16-team NFL will absorb the AFL’s 10 franchises. The NFL will
then split into a pair of 13-team conferences. Shaking off its loss
in Super Bowl I, the Kansas City defense manhandles the Vikings
by holding them to 67 yards rushing and forcing five turnovers.
Behind the leadership of quarterback and game MVP Len Dawson, the
Chiefs roll to a 16-0 halftime advantage. Kansas City accumulates
nearly 300 yards in total offense against Minnesota’s famed
Purple People Eaters. For the first time ever, the game draws more
than 80,000 fans, who’ve paid $15 apiece to witness the closing,
yet triumphant, chapter of the 10-year-old AFL
SUPER BOWL V
Baltimore Colts 16, Dallas Cowboys 13 — January
17, 1971 — Miami, Fla.
Super Bowl V proves to be a game of significant
firsts. It’s the first championship tilt between representatives
of the American (Baltimore) and National (Dallas) football conferences
within the reorganized NFL. In addition, it is the first Super Bowl
to be played on artificial turf, the first to be decided on its
final play, and the first to produce a Most Valuable Player who
is neither a quarterback or a member of the winning team. It is
also the first Super Bowl match-up between two original NFL franchises.
Before the 1970 season, Baltimore was one of three teams moved by
the NFL to the AFC. The Colts waste little time avenging their Super
Bowl III loss to the Jets and the old AFL, by losing only twice
during the season and rolling through the AFC playoffs. Although
the aged Colts are expected to fall to the younger Cowboys in the
Super Bowl, Jim O’Brien’s game-ending 32-yard field goal
gives Baltimore the title. In a game marred by 11 turnovers, Dallas
linebacker Chuck Howley is named MVP thanks in part to his two interceptions.
SUPER BOWL VI
Dallas Cowboys 24, Miami Dolphins 3 — January
16, 1972 — New Orleans, La.
Dallas’ futility is about to finally end.
Since joining the NFL’s elite in the mid-60s, the Cowboys have
never finished the playoffs on a successful note. At game time,
the temperature in New Orleans’ Tulane Stadium is a sunny,
but cold 39 degrees. Obviously not ideal conditions for the warm-water,
uh, -weather Dolphins. The Cowboys rack up 252 rushing yards, while
Dallas’ Doomsday Defense holds Miami to 185 total yards.
Dallas, meanwhile, adds 119 passing yards thanks to a 12 of 19 performance
by quarterback Roger Staubach, who makes his first Super Bowl start
and is the game’s MVP. Before a record 81,023 fans, it is complete
domination by the Cowboys who finally show the mettle to win the
big game. Although Dallas will make three additional Super Bowl
appearances during the 1970s, the defeated Dolphins will not lose
again until the second week of the 1973 season. The game is viewed
in approximately 27,450,000 homes, an industry record for a one-day
telecast.
SUPER BOWL VII
Miami Dolphins 14, Washington Redskins 7 — January
14, 1973 — Los Angeles, Calif.
Manhandled by the experienced Cowboys the year
before, the Miami Dolphins are more than battle-ready for Super
Bowl VII. Never before has an undefeated team had the opportunity
to cap its season with a Super Bowl victory, and the Dolphins won’t
let their chance slip away. Washington, which gave up the fewest
points in the NFC, holds Miami to just a pair of touchdowns. But
it takes Mike Bass turning a fumble by Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian
into a touchdown with less than 3 minutes left to go to put the
Redskins on the scoreboard. In a game obviously controlled by the
defenses, Miami safety Jake Scott is named the MVP for his two interceptions,
one of which comes in the Dolphins’ endzone. Although tickets
are 50 percent higher than the price of those for the inaugural
Super Bowl six years earlier in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, a record
90,182 fill the venue this time.
SUPER BOWL VIII
Miami Dolphins 24, Minnesota Vikings 7 — January
13, 1974 — Houston, Texas
Although the Dolphins lose twice during the 1973
season after going 17-0 a year earlier, many feel this Miami team
is even better than its perfect predecessor. Among that group is
Dolphins coach Don Shula. Before the first quarter is over, the
Dolphins put together consecutive 10-play scoring drives to go up
14-0. Following a second period Garo Yepremian field goal that puts
Miami ahead by 17, the Vikings attempt a comeback. However, a drive
that begins on the Minnesota 20-yardline comes to an end when the
Vikings fumble inside the Dolphins’ five. Essentially the game
is over. Behind the running of Super Bowl MVP Larry Csonka, who
amasses 145 yards on 33 carries, the Dolphins are too much for Minnesota.
In fact, Miami quarterback Bob Griese attempts only 7 passes the
entire game, the only Super Bowl played in the state of Texas.
SUPER BOWL IX
Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Minnesota Vikings 6 —
January 12, 1975 — New Orleans, La.
The mantle of futility once worn by the Dallas
Cowboys is becoming the albatross around the necks of the Minnesota
Vikings. Their showdown with the Steelers is the Vikings’ third
Super Bowl appearance, but Minnesota is beginning to develop a reputation
for poor performances in the big game. Super Bowl IX is no different.
In a contest far more lopsided than the final score, Pittsburgh
completely shuts down the Vikings, who are held to 119 total yards.
If not for a blocked punt recovered in the Steelers’ end zone,
the Vikings would be the first shutout victims in Super Bowl history.
While Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defense makes life miserable
for Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who is downed for a safety
and throws three interceptions, Steelers running back and game MVP
Franco Harris rumbles for 158 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota is
the first team with Super Bowl experience beaten by a franchise
making its initial appearance. A sell-out crowd of 80,997 braves
a wind chill of 22 degrees in Tulane Stadium.
SUPER BOWL X
Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17 — January
18, 1976 — Miami, Florida
In the brief history of the Super Bowl, there have
already been two back-to-back winners. The Steelers are attempting
to become the third. Although the past five Super Bowls have been
one-sided, Pittsburgh knows it will have a challenge carving out
its own piece of history. Dallas is the first wild card qualifier
to reach the Super Bowl having won two road playoff games to take
the NFC championship. Twice Dallas leads. But a tying touchdown
erases the first Cowboys lead; a Roy Gerela field goal with 8:41
left in the game overcomes the second. Pittsburgh adds another Gerela
field goal and a 64-yard touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw to Lynn
Swann. Dallas responds with a Roger Staubach scoring toss just before
the two-minute warning. A Glen Edwards’ interception of a Staubach
pass in the Steelers’ end zone finally seals the Pittsburgh
victory. Swann, whose 161 receiving yards is a Super Bowl record,
is named the game’s MVP.
SUPER BOWL XI
Oakland Raiders 32, Minnesota Vikings 14 — January
9, 1977 — Pasadena, Calif.
Inevitably, either the Raiders or the Vikings are
going to win their first Super Bowl. It’s just a matter of
whom. The Raiders finished the regular season 13-1, knocked off
two-time champion Pittsburgh in the AFC title game, and are slight
favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Vikings? Well, after losing
their first three Super Bowls by a cumulative
score of 63-20, some respect would be nice. After
all, Minnesota has the best record in the NFL since 1970. But if
the Raiders are impressed by the Vikings’ portfolio, the Pride
and Poise Boys don’t show it. Oakland builds a 19-0 advantage
before Minnesota finally scores with 47 seconds remaining in the
third quarter. The Vikings are down 32-7 before they score again
as time is running out. Directed by quarterback Ken Stabler, the
Raiders roll up a record 429 yards in total offense. Receiver Fred
Biletnikoff, who catches 4 passes for 79 yards, is the game’s
MVP. The first Super Bowl in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl draws a record
103,438.With their fourth Super Bowl loss, the Vikings establish
a record for futility.
SUPER BOWL XII
Dallas Cowboys 27, Denver Broncos 10 — January
15, 1978 — New Orleans, La.
Two years after losing a hard-fought tilt with
the Steelers, the Cowboys and their Doomsday Defense are back. Having
to deal with Dallas are the upstart Broncos. Denver shocks the NFL
by finishing the regular season 12-2 and beating the last two champions,
Pittsburgh and Oakland, in the AFC playoffs. Leading the Broncos
are rookie coach Red Miller and castoff Cowboy quarterback Craig
Morton. Dallas, however, is too much for Denver, as the Broncos
commit eight turnovers. While the Cowboys have offensive weapons
like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Robert Newhouse, and Butch Johnson,
Dallas defensive line mates Harvey Martin and Randy White share
MVP honors. The 75,583 who witness the Cowboys roll to a 20-3 third
quarter advantage pay $30 for the privilege of watching the first
indoors Super Bowl. A record television audience of more than 102
million tune in.
SUPER BOWL XIII
Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31 — January
21, 1979 — Miami, Fla.
For the first time, the Super Bowl hosts a rematch
of previous opponents, with the winners taking home a record third
Vince Lombardi Trophy. After Terry Bradshaw’s first of four
touchdown passes gives Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead, the Cowboys respond
with two scores of their own within a 3-minute span. However, two
more Bradshaw touchdown passes, including his second to John Stallworth,
give the Steelers a 21-14 halftime advantage. After a Dallas field
goal cuts the lead to four points, Pittsburgh scores 14 points during
a 19-second span, thanks in part to a fumbled kickoff by the Cowboys,
midway through the fourth quarter. In the game’s final 3 minutes,
Dallas rallies on Roger Staubach’s second and third touchdown
passes. However, a second Cowboys on-side kick attempt fails and
the Steelers hang on. Super Bowl MVP Bradshaw completes 17 of 30
passes for 318 yards.
SUPER BOWL XIV
Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Los Angeles Rams 19 —
January 20, 1980 — Pasadena, Calif.
Pittsburgh is attempting to establish itself as
an NFL dynasty by winning its fourth Super Bowl in six years. But
the Steelers have a formidable foe in the Los Angeles Rams. In fact,
the Rams lead three times during the game. Finally, with just over
12 minutes left, the Pittsburgh takes the lead for good 24-19 on
Terry Bradshaw’s ninth career Super Bowl touchdown pass. A
Franco Harris score seals the victory with less than two minutes
remaining. Although he throws three interceptions, Bradshaw is named
the game’s MVP a second time, matching the achievement of Green
Bay’s Bart Starr. Not only does a record crowd of 103,985 fill
the Rose Bowl, the game is watched in 35,330,000 U.S. homes. The
Rams’ first Super Bowl appearance follows the April drowning
death of Los Angeles owner Carroll Rosenbloom.
SUPER BOWL XV
Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10 —
January 25, 1981 — New Orleans, La.
It’s been a long journey for the Raiders,
who are attempting to become the first wild card team to grab a
Super Bowl title after winning three AFC playoff games. Standing
in Oakland’s way are the Eagles who have never appeared in
the Super Bowl and last played for the NFL championship in 1960.
But Philadelphia’s dream of victory is quickly extinguished
as the more experienced Raiders storm to a 14-0 first quarter lead
on two Jim Plunkett touchdown passes. The second is a record 80-yard
pass to Kenny King. Plunkett, who completes 13 of 21 passes for
261 and is named the game’s MVP, teams up for a second time
with Cliff Branch in the third quarter for the Raiders third touchdown
and an insurmountable 21-3 lead. Helping stifle the Eagles offense
is Oakland linebacker Rod Martin who intercepts three Ron Jaworski
passes. Although ticket prices have jumped to $40, 76,135 fill the
Louisiana Superdome.
SUPER BOWL XVI
San Francisco 49ers 26, Cincinnati Bengals 21 —
January 24, 1982 — Pontiac, Mich.
For the first time since 1969, both participants
are making their initial appearances in the Super Bowl. And neither
team was picked to be here. Both were 6-10 in 1980. No indication
of where they would be a year later. Cincinnati rolled to a 12-4
mark, while San Francisco finished 13-3. The difference in records
turns out to be the 49ers’ 21-3 victory in Cincinnati the 14th
week of the season. Of course, who thought it would be a Super Bowl
preview? In fact, the Bengals had to survive the AFC championship
game played with a wind chill factor of -59 to reach Pontiac. It’s
a good thing the first Super Bowl played in the northern U.S. is
inside the Silverdome. Behind the arm of quarterback Joe Montana
and the leg of Ray Wersching, the Niners jump to a 20-0 halftime
lead. After the Bengals cut the lead to six, Wersching adds two
fourth quarter field goals to put the game out of reach. Although
Cincinnati quarterback Ken Anderson completes a record 25 of 34
pass attempts, Montana is MVP of a game played in front of 81,270
and watched by a record television audience of 110.2 million.
SUPER BOWL XVII
Washington Redskins 27, Miami Dolphins 17 — January
30, 1983 — Pasadena, Calif.
For two months, from September 21 until November
20, not a single NFL game is played due to the first prolonged players’
strike in league history. Thus the regular season is cut to nine
games and the playoffs expanded to a 16-team tournament. Survivors
of the chaos are the Redskins who produce the best mark in the NFC
at 8-1, and the Dolphins who win their three AFC tournament games
by an average of nearly 17 points. Miami bolts to a 17-10 lead after
two quarters, but Washington is just warming up. The Redskins take
their first lead 20-17 as John Riggins rumbles 43 yards into the
Miami endzone with 10 minutes remaining. Led by MVP Riggins, who
amasses 166 yards on 38 carries, the Redskins roll up a record 276
rushing yards. On defense, meanwhile, Washington holds the Dolphins
to 34 total yards in the second half. With 103,667 packed into the
Rose Bowl and a record 40 million-plus homes tuned in, any lingering
effects from the strike aren’t noticeable.
SUPER BOWL XVIII
Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington Redskins 9 —
January 22, 1984 — Tampa, Fla.
Having disposed of the Dolphins a year ago and
rolling over the competition during a 14-2 regular season, the Redskins
are picked by many to win their second consecutive Super Bowl. Considering
Washington had racked up 541 points, lost only two games by one
point each, and beaten the Raiders during the regular season, why
not? Two words: Marcus Allen. After the Raiders defense and special
teams help Los Angeles to a 21-3 halftime advantage, Allen makes
sure the Redskins’ high-power offense isn’t able to mount
a comeback. Allen, who rushes for a record 191 yards on just 20
attempts and is named the Super Bowl MVP, puts the game out of reach
with two third quarter touchdowns. His second score is a 74-yard
scamper. The Raiders hold John Riggins, who bulldozed Miami in Super
Bowl XVII, to 64 yards. The first-ever title game in Tampa Stadium
draws 72,920.
SUPER BOWL XIX
San Francisco 49ers 38, Miami Dolphins 16 — January
20, 1985 — Palo Alto, Calif.
San Francisco is attempting to cap one of the most
impressive seasons in NFL history. The 15-1 49ers scored a team-record
475 points while giving up an NFL low of 227. Ten 49ers are heading
to the Pro Bowl. Plus, the Super Bowl is scheduled for the Niners’
backyard, Stanford Stadium. But San Francisco must deal with a 14-2
Miami team led by league MVP Dan Marino, the first quarterback in
NFL history to pass for more than 5,000 yards in a season. But after
the Dolphins take a 10-7 first quarter lead, the rest of the game
belongs to Joe Montana and the 49ers. The San Francisco quarterback
wins his second Super Bowl MVP award after completing 24 of 35 passes
for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Two Roger Craig touchdowns sandwich
a Montana 6-yard scoring run during a 21-point second quarter that
gives the Niners a 28-16 halftime advantage. San Francisco, which
puts the game away on Craig’s third TD, amasses a record 537
yards. Besides the 84,059 on hand, nearly 116 million make up the
largest audience for a live televised program in the United States.
SUPER BOWL XX
Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10 — January
26, 1986 — New Orleans, La.
Not to be outdone by the 49ers, the Bears have
a season nearly identical to that of the 1984 NFL champs. Chicago,
however, goes San Francisco one better when several Bears produce
a music video, The Super Bowl Shuffle, while winning their
first 12 games of the ’85 season. Only a loss in Miami spoils
the Bears’ perfect season. During the playoffs, the Bears shut
out New York and Los Angeles in their shuffle to the Super Bowl.
Awaiting are the Patriots who had never won an NFL playoff game
before winning three consecutive postseason road games to reach
New Orleans. It has been a magical season for wild-card New England,
but this is the Bears’ year. Although New England grabs the
quickest lead in Super Bowl history on a Tony Franklin field goal
1:19 into the game, the Bears run off the game’s next 44 points.
The Patriots are held to —19 yards in the first half and trail
23-3 at intermission. For his part in shutting down the Patriots,
Chicago defensive end Richard Dent is the game’s MVP. While
a less than capacity crowd of 73,818 witnesses the game, the television
audience is a record 127 million.
SUPER BOWL XXI
New York Giants 39, Denver Broncos 20 — January
25, 1987 — Pasadena, Calif.
Thirty-one years have passed since the Giants won
their last NFL title. The Broncos, charter members of the old AFL,
have never won a league championship. Thus, someone is about to
end years of futility. Thanks to the first-half performance of quarterback
John Elway, 13 of 20 passing for 187 yards, Denver holds a narrow
10-9 lead after two quarters. But the Broncos could be up by more
if they had only scored following a first-and-goal at the Giant
one early in the second period. In the third quarter, Denver is
only able to run 10 plays for a total of two yards and New York
takes full control of the contest. In a 21-minute span bridging
the third and fourth periods, the Giants outscore Denver 30-3. Giants
quarterback Phil Simms grabs the spotlight from Elway with a record
22 of 25 passing performance for 268 yards and three touchdowns.
Simms’ performance in front of 101,063 earns him the MVP award
and the 17-2 Giants their first Lombardi trophy.
SUPER BOWL XXII
Washington Redskins 42, Denver Broncos 10 — January
31, 1988 — San Diego, Calif. Twelve months ago, the Denver Broncos would have
been happy if Super Bowl XXI had ended at halftime. Oh what a difference
a year can make. On Denver’s initial play from scrimmage, John
Elway connects with Ricky Nattiel for a 56-yard touchdown. After
a field goal on its next possession, the Broncos lead 10-0 and the
first quarter isn’t half over. When the quarter ends, maybe
Denver should work a deal and have Super Bowl XXII declared over.
But this is pro football, where you play at least 60 minutes before
claiming victory. After all, lightning won’t strike the Broncos
twice. Right? And it doesn’t rain in Southern California. But
53 seconds into the second quarter, Doug Williams completes an 80-yard
bomb to Ricky Sanders. When the deluge ends 13 minutes later, Williams
has thrown three more touchdown passes and the Skins lead 35-10.
This year, the Super Bowl is indeed over at the half. Although teammate
Timmy Smith rushes for 204 yards and two touchdowns, Williams is
named the game’s MVP for his 18 of 29, 340-yard performance.
The 602-yards by the Redskins’ offense astounds the 73,302
who’ve packed Jack Murphy Stadium.
SUPER BOWL XXIII
San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16 —
January 22, 1989 — Miami, Fla.
Although the 13-2 49ers were the best team during
1987, a disappointing 36-24 first-round playoff loss to Minnesota
ended San Francisco’s bid for a third Super Bowl title. Cincinnati,
on the other hand, finished ’87 at 4-11. Thus, Super Bowl XXIII
matches a team that should have been here a year ago, and one that
staged a remarkable turnaround in winning the AFC Central with a
12-4 record. It’s also a rematch of the 1982 title game, when
both teams made their Super Bowl debuts. Entering the game’s
final quarter, the Cinderella Bengals lead the 49ers 13-6. But 57
seconds into the fourth, Joe Montana hits Jerry Rice on a 14-yard
scoring pass and the game is tied for the third time. Nearly 11
minutes pass before Jim Breech kicks his third field goal to put
the Bengals back in front and just over three minutes from an upset.
However, the 49ers respond with a 92-yard drive that concludes with
a 10-yard touchdown pass from Montana to John Taylor with 34 seconds
left. Rice, who catches 11 passes for a record 215 yards, is the
game’s MVP. The first Super Bowl staged in Joe Robbie Stadium
draws a sell-out of 75,129.
SUPER BOWL XXIV
San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10 — January
28, 1990 — New Orleans, La.
Two teams with opposite Super Bowl histories will
play the first NFL Championship Game under new commissioner Paul
Tagliabue, who replaced the recently retired Pete Rozelle. San Francisco
is shooting for its fourth Super Bowl without a loss. Denver is
trying to avoid losing a fourth title tilt by winning its first
Super Bowl. The Broncos don’t stand a chance. In the NFC playoffs,
the 14-2 49ers had ripped the Vikings and Rams by a cumulative score
of 71-16. Led by quarterback Joe Montana, who completes 22 of 29
passes for 297 and five touchdowns, San Francisco scores a pair
of touchdowns in every quarter. While its offense is lighting up
the scoreboard, the San Francisco defense is sacking Denver quarterback
John Elway six times and forcing three Broncos’ turnovers.
The 49ers nearly triple Denver’s net yards on offense, 461
to 167. While Jerry Rice hauls in seven passes for 148 yards and
three touchdowns, Montana gets the nod for his third Super Bowl
MVP award. The attendance of 72,919 is the smallest since Super
Bowl VIII in 1974.
SUPER BOWL XXV
New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19 — January
27, 1991 — Tampa, Fla.
Four years earlier, the Giants were trying to win
their first championship in three decades. The wait has nearly been
as long for the Bills, who last won a league title in 1965 with
their second straight AFL crown. Although Buffalo has won their
division three straight times, it takes a 51-3 thrashing of the
Raiders in the AFC title game for the Bills to reach their first
Super Bowl. By the middle of the second quarter, Buffalo leads 12-3.
But soon the Giants’ game of ball control takes over. A Jeff
Hostetler to Stephen Baker touchdown pulls New York within two in
the waning seconds of the first half. The Giants then go on a 14-play
scoring drive that consumes the first 9:29 of the third quarter
as Ottis Anderson’s one-yard run puts New York in front, 17-12.
Buffalo, which finishes the game with a record-low 19:27 time of
possession, answers with Thurman Thomas’ 31-yard touchdown
run eight seconds into the fourth quarter. Matt Bahr’s second
field goal with 7:40 remaining gives the Giants their third lead
of the game. Still, Buffalo has a chance to win the game on Scott
Norwood’s 47-yard field goal attempt with seven seconds left.
His kick, however, sails right. Anderson is selected the game’s
MVP for his part in the Giants’ victory.
SUPER BOWL XXVI
Washington Redskins 37, Buffalo Bills 24 — January
26, 1992 — Minneapolis, Minn.
After winning their fourth consecutive AFC East
title, the Bills are back in a second attempt to win the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, Buffalo must face a Washington team that lost only
twice during the season by a total of five points. The Redskins
then won their two NFC playoff games by a combined 65-17. By the
time the Bills finally score on a Scott Norwood field goal three
minutes into the second half, Washington already leads by 24. Although
a Thurman Thomas touchdown cuts the Redskins lead to 24-10, Washington
scores 13 more points in a five-minute span to put the game out
of reach. Despite throwing two scoring passes in the game’s
final minutes, Bills quarterback Jim Kelly is intercepted four times
by the Skins. His counterpart, Mark Rypien, is named the game’s
MVP as he completes 18 of 33 passes for 292 yards. Redskins Gary
Clark and Art Monk each catch seven passes for 114 and 113 yards,
respectively. A sell-out crowd of 63,130 pays $150 apiece to see
the first Super Bowl played in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
SUPER BOWL XXVII
Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17 — January
31, 1993 — Pasadena, Calif.
Could things get any worse for the Buffalo Bills?
A one-point defeat two years before, a lopsided 13-point loss a
year ago, Super Bowl XXVII has to be better. And for a brief time
it looks that way. Five minutes into the game, a Thurman Thomas
touchdown puts Buffalo ahead, 7-0. But the Cowboys convert two turnovers
by quarterback Jim Kelly into touchdowns 15 seconds apart as the
first quarter winds down. It’s the beginning of the end for
the Bills. By halftime, they trail 28-10. During their playoff game
with Houston, the Bills staged the greatest comeback in NFL history
when they erased a 32-point deficit to beat the Oilers in overtime.
But Buffalo is in the process of committing nine turnovers, which
Dallas turns into 35 points. Cowboy quarterback Troy Aikman, who
completes 22 of 30 passes for 273 and four touchdowns, is the game’s
MVP. Before 98,374 fans in the Rose Bowl, Buffalo becomes the first
team to lose three consecutive Super Bowls. A record U.S. television
audience of 133.4 million also witnesses the game.
SUPER BOWL XXVIII
Dallas Cowboys 30, Buffalo Bills 13 — January
30, 1994 — Atlanta, Ga.
The Cowboys are trying to make history, while Buffalo
is trying to avoid it. Dallas is attempting to join Pittsburgh and
San Francisco as the only four-time winners in Super Bowl history.
The Bills, meanwhile, do not want to become the first team to lose
four consecutive title tilts. Once again Buffalo grabs a first half
lead and is up 13-6 at intermission. Once again the Bills fail to
hold their advantage. And again, turnovers contribute to their demise,
as two Buffalo miscues are turned into 14 second-half points by
the Cowboys. Dallas has plenty of heroes. Troy Aikman completes
19 of 27 passes for 207 yards, Eddie Murray kicks three field goals,
and safety James Washington causes one fumble, returns another for
a touchdown, snares an interception, and records 11 tackles. The
game’s MVP, however, is Emmitt Smith who rushes for 132 yards
and two touchdowns. The first Super Bowl played in Atlanta’s
Georgia Dome draws 72,817 even though tickets are priced as high
as $250. A record 134.8 million U.S. viewers tune in to see the
tenth straight Super Bowl victory by an NFC team.
SUPER BOWL XXIX
San Francisco 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26 —
January 29, 1995 — Miami, Fla.
For the first time in Super Bowl history, two California
teams are matched up. But that’s where the similarities end.
The 49ers are playing for an unprecedented fifth Super Bowl win.
San Diego is making its initial appearance in the big game. Although
it’s been five years since San Francisco played for the NFL
title, the 49ers haven’t forgotten how to ignite their SuperB(owl)
offense. Quarterback Steve Young tosses a record 6 touchdown passes
as the Niners roll to a 42-10 third quarter advantage. Of Jerry
Rice’s 10 receptions for 149 yards, three are for touchdowns.
Running back Ricky Watters catches two of Young’s other scoring
passes before turning a 9-yard run into touchdown number three in
the third quarter. Overall, Young completes 24 of 36 passes for
325 yards and is named the game’s MVP. Quarterback Stan Humphries,
who connects on 24 of 49 attempts for 275 yards, leads a valiant
San Diego effort. The 49ers wrap up a 16-3 season before 74,107
at Joe Robbie Stadium.
SUPER BOWL XXX
Dallas Cowboys 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 17 — January
28, 1996 — Tempe, Ariz.
Both the Cowboys and Steelers are trying to emulate
49ers’ achievement from a year ago: win a fifth Super Bowl.
But Dallas has never beaten Pittsburgh on this stage, having lost
twice previously to the Steelers by four points. The Cowboys, however,
have won two of the last 3 Super Bowls. Pittsburgh hasn’t represented
the AFC since January 1980 when its Steel Curtain defense was feared
throughout the NFL. Fittingly, perhaps, it’s the defenses that
play the deciding role in this match-up. Although the Steelers hold
the Cowboys to just 61 total yards in the second half, it’s
the Dallas defense that helps ensure victory. Led by cornerback
and game MVP Larry Brown, the Cowboys pick off three Neil O’Donnell
passes. Brown’s second interception preserves a 20-17 Dallas
lead with just four minutes remaining. Emmitt Smith, who is held
to 49 total rushing yards, scores his second touchdown two plays
later to seal the Cowboys’ win. The first Super Bowl in the
Southwest draws 76,347 spectators and a record U.S. television audience
of 138.5 million.
SUPER BOWL XXXI
Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21 —
January 26, 1997 — New Orleans, La.
Two teams on a mission. The Packers have not played
in a Super Bowl in three decades. The Patriots are trying to erase
the memories of a 36-point thumping by the Bears 11 years earlier.
In the first quarter, the two teams combine for a record 24 points.
After Green Bay jumps in front 10-0, Drew Bledsoe throws two touchdown
passes in a four-minute span to put New England in front. But the
Packers explode for 17 points in the second quarter for a 27-14
halftime lead, as Brett Favre passes 81 yards for one touchdown
and runs two yards for another. Late in the third quarter, a Curtis
Martin touchdown run pulls the Patriots within six points. However,
Desmond Howard returns the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a Green
Bay score. The two-point conversion gives the Packers a 14-point
lead. During the fourth quarter, Bledsoe is intercepted a third
and fourth time by Green Bay as New England is unable to cross midfield
on four possessions. Howard, who returns four kickoffs and six punts
for 244 total yards, becomes the first special teams player to be
named Super Bowl MVP. Although ticket prices have risen to $275,
72,301 fans fill the Louisiana Superdome.
SUPER BOWL XXXII
Denver Broncos 31, Green Bay Packers 24 — January
25, 1998 — San Diego, Calif.
This is the tale of two cities. For Green Bay the
Super Bowl has always been the best of times, for Denver the worst
of times. The Packers are aiming for their fourth Super Bowl without
a defeat; the Broncos are trying to win their first after four losses.
When Green Bay opens the game with a four-minute, 76-yard touchdown
drive, it seems the French Monarchy had a better shot at survival
than the Broncos. But Denver’s Terrell Davis can carry the
ball better than any descendant of Louis XIV. Davis’ first
of three touchdowns helps the Broncos get even as Denver puts together
a 10-play drive. In the second quarter, the Broncos go up 17-7.
But Denver has never been able to sustain a Super Bowl lead. By
the time the second half is 3 minutes old, the Packers have tied
the game. As the third quarter winds down, Davis scores to put Denver
back in front. But the Packers tie the game once more two minutes
later. Finally, with 1:45 remaining, Davis caps off his MVP 157-yard
rushing performance with touchdown number 3. Not only do the Broncos
end their own futility, but stop the AFC’s 13-game Super Bowl
losing streak before a Qualcomm Stadium crowd of 68,912.
SUPER BOWL XXXIII
Denver Broncos 34, Atlanta Falcons 19 — January
31, 1999 — Miami, Fla.
A year ago, the Broncos were a team that couldn’t
win a Super Bowl. Now Denver is trying to become the first AFC team
since the ’79-’80 Steelers to win consecutive titles.
Although the Falcons finished 14-2, the 15-1 Vikings were expected
to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. But the "Dirty Birds"
knocked off host Minnesota in overtime to win the conference championship.
If Atlanta has any first Super Bowl jitters they don’t show,
as the Falcons taken an early lead on a Morten Andersen field goal.
The Broncos, though, respond with 17 straight first-half points
and will never trail again. Before the Falcons score their first
touchdown on a 94-kickoff return by Tim Dwight with 11:01 remaining,
Denver leads 31-6. The Broncos turn two Darrien Gordon interceptions
into touchdowns as Atlanta produces just 13 points from seven drives
that reach inside the Denver 30. Although Howard Griffith runs for
two scores and Rod Smith catches 5 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown,
Broncos quarterback John Elway is named the game’s MVP. In
the final game of his storied career, Elway completes 18 of 29 passes
for 336 yards.
SUPER BOWL XXXIV
St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16 — January
30, 2000 — Atlanta, Ga.
For the first seven weeks of the 1999 season, the
St. Louis Rams were unbeatable. Then they met the Titans in Nashville,
where Tennessee erupted for 21 first quarter points. Although the
Rams rallied, the Titans held on for a 24-21 victory. Now, after
both teams finish 13-3 and survive their respective conference playoffs,
they meet again. The Rams’ high-powered offense, directed by
quarterback Kurt Warner, dominates the first half. But despite rolling
up 294 yards, St. Louis has to rely on three Jeff Wilkins’
field goals to take a 9-0 halftime lead. After failing behind 16-0
on a Warner to Torry Holt touchdown pass, the Titans finally awake
from their mid-winter slumber. With 14 seconds left in the third
quarter, Eddie George’s 1-yard run puts Tennessee on the board.
Nearly eight minutes later, George scores his second TD. With 2:15
remaining, Al Del Greco caps the Titans 16-point comeback with a
43-yard field goal. Just 21 seconds later, however, Warner hits
Isaac Bruce on a 73-yard scoring play and the Rams lead again. The
Titans still have a chance as they move to the Rams’ 10 with
6 seconds remaining. However, on the final play of the game, Kevin
Dyson is tackled on the 1-yard line after catching a Steve McNair
pass. Warner, who wins both the Super Bowl and league MVP awards,
completes 24 of 45 passes for 414 yards.
Sources: NFL.com, superbowl.com,
The 1999 National Football League
Record & Fact Book,
McDonald’s® History of the
Super Bowl, and the websites of NFL teams.
Playing On God's Team (Cris Carter)
Kurt Warner- Beyond The Hype
In The Huddle article (let's follow Christ)
Jon Kitna- Believing Is Seeing (testimony)
Super Bowl Team Matches (Super Bowls 1-34)
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