History of Super Bowls
- NFL – National Football League
- AFC – American Football Conference
- NFC – National Football Conference
The Super Bowl is the Annual championship game of the National Football League. It is played by the winners of the league’s American Football Conference and National Football Conference. The first Super Bowl competition was held in 1967
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is the trophy awarded each year to the winning team of the NFL’s championship game, the Super Bowl. The trophy has been awarded since 1967. It was renamed in 1970 in memory of legendary Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi to commemorate his victories in the first two Super Bowls.
Super Bowl I
Green Bay Packers 35 – Kansas City Chiefs 10
January 15, 1967 – Los Angeles
The NFL champion Green Bay Packers (12–2) defeated the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs (11–2–1), by a score of 35–10. Green Bay quarterback Bart Starr, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, with 1 interception, was named Super Bowl MVP. The game was played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Green Bay won the NFL Championship games in 1961, 1962, 1965, and 1966. before the games were called “Super Bowl”
Super Bowl II ( 2 )
Green Bay Packers 33 – Oakland Raiders 14
January 14, 1968 – Miami, Florida
The NFL champion Green Bay Packers (9–4–1) defeated the AFL champion Oakland Raiders (13–1), by a score of 33–14. played on January 14, 1968 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Green Bay quarterback Bart Starr was named the Super Bowl MVP for the second time for his 13 of 24 passing for 202 yards and one touchdown.
Super Bowl III ( 3 )
New York Jets 16 – Baltimore Colts 7
January 12, 1969 – Miami, Florida
Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game, the first to officially bear the name “Super Bowl”. The AFL champion New York Jets (11-3) defeated the NFL champion Baltimore Colts (13-1) by a score of 16–7. It was the first Super Bowl victory for the AFL. The game was played on January 12, 1969 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, Jets quarterback Joe Namath completed 17 out of 28 passes for 206 yards, and was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player
Super Bowl IV ( 4 )
Minnesota Vikings 7 – Kansas City Chiefs 23
January 11, 1970 – Tulane Stadium, New Orleans
Super Bowl IV was the fourth AFL-NFL World Championship Game. This was the final AFL-NFL World Championship Game before the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) merged into one combined league after the season. The game was played on January 11, 1970, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was the first Super Bowl played without the standard week off after the conference championship games. Strangely enough, the AFL had a week off between its divisional playoffs (the NFL played its conference championship games during the AFL’s off-week) and league championship game. The AFL started its 1969 season a week earlier than the NFL, and thus had an extra week to deal with during the post-season. This would be the last Super Bowl played without the week off until Super Bowl XVII. The AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) defeated the NFL champion Minnesota Vikings (12-2), by a score of 23–7. the Chiefs defense dominated the game by limiting the Minnesota offense to only 67 rushing yards, forcing 3 interceptions, and recovering 2 fumbles. The victory by the AFL evened the Super Bowl series with the NFL at two games apiece. Kansas City’s Len Dawson became the fourth consecutive winning quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown, with 1 interception.
Super Bowl V ( 5 )
Baltimore Colts 16 – Dallas Cowboys 13
Super Bowl V was played on January 17, 1971 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1970 regular season. The AFC champion Baltimore Colts (11–2–1) defeated the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (10–4), by a score of 16–13, in the first Super Bowl game played on artificial turf. Super Bowl V was the first Super Bowl played after the completion of the AFL-NFL Merger. As per the merger agreement, all 26 AFL and NFL teams were divided into 2 conferences with 13 teams in each of them. The NFL’s Colts, the Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to join the other 10 AFL teams to form the AFC. The remaining 13 NFL teams formed the NFC. This explains why the Colts represented the NFL in Super Bowl III, but not the NFC for Super Bowl V.
Super Bowl VI ( 6 )
Dallas Cowboys 24 – Miami Dolphins 3
Super Bowl VI was played on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 1971 regular season. NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (14–3) defeated the AFC champion Miami Dolphins (12–4–1), by a score of 24–3, to win their first Super Bowl game. The Cowboys dominated the game, setting Super Bowl records for the most rushing yards (252), the most first downs (23), the least total yards allowed (185), and the least points allowed (3). The Cowboys’ Quarterback, former Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, completed 12 out of 19 passes for 119 yards, threw 2 touchdown passes, and rushed 5 times for 18 yards, and was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.
Super Bowl VII ( 7 )
Miami Dolphins 14 – Washington Redskins 7
Super Bowl VII was played on January 14, 1973, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, to decide the NFL champion following the 1972 regular season. The AFC champion Miami Dolphins (17–0) defeated the NFC champion Washington Redskins (13-4), by a score of 14–7, and became the first, and presently the only team in the NFL to complete a perfect, undefeated season. The Dolphins’ “No-Name Defense” dominated the game, allowing Washington to cross midfield only once in the first half and only four times overall. But Super Bowl VII is most memorable for the final two minutes of the game: Miami’s quest for a perfect season was jeopardized when Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian picked up a blocked field goal, batted it in the air, and Redskins’ cornerback Mike Bass caught it and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown. Dolphins safety Jake Scott was named Most Valuable Player.
Super Bowl VIII ( 8 )
Minnesota Vikings 7 – Miami Dolphins 24
Super Bowl VIII was played on January 13, 1974 at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas to decide the NFL champion following the 1973 regular season. The AFC champion Miami Dolphins (15-2) defeated the NFC champion Minnesota Vikings (14-3), by a score of 24–7. The Dolphins easily won their second consecutive Super Bowl. Dolphins Running Back Larry Csonka, who ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Csonka became the first running back to earn Super Bowl MVP honors.
Super Bowl IX ( 9 )
Pittsburgh Steelers 16 – Minnesota Vikings 6
Super Bowl IX was played on January 12, 1975 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 1974 regular season. The AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3-1) defeated the NFC champion Minnesota Vikings (12-5), by a score of 16–6, to win their first Super Bowl game. This game matched two of the NFL’s best defenses – Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain against the Purple People Eaters of Minnesota – and two legendary quarterbacks: Terry Bradshaw and Fran Tarkenton, respectively. The Steelers dominated the game, recording the first safety in Super Bowl history, and limiting the Vikings to Super Bowl lows of nine first downs, 119 yards of total offense, and 17 rushing yards. Pittsburgh had 333 yards of total offense. Steelers running back Franco Harris, who ran for a Super Bowl record 158 yards (more than the entire Minnesota offense) and a touchdown, was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.
Super Bowl X ( 10 )
Dallas Cowboys 17 – Pittsburgh Steelers 21
Super Bowl X was played on January 18, 1976 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1975 regular season. The AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (12–2) defeated the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (10–4), by a score of 21–17. Pittsburgh safety Glen Edwards halted a late Dallas rally with an end zone interception as time expired. Steelers receiver Lynn Swann, who caught four passes for 161 yards and one touchdown including a diving catch, was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. Swann was the first wide receiver to win the Super Bowl MVP award.
Super Bowl XI ( 11 )
Oakland Raiders 32 – Minnesota Vikings 14
Super Bowl XI was played on January 9, 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1976 regular season. The AFC champion Oakland Raiders (16–1) won their first Super Bowl by defeating the NFC champion Minnesota Vikings (13–3–1), by a score of 32–14. Oakland gained a Super Bowl record 429 yards. Raiders wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff had 4 catches for 79 yards that set up three Raider touchdowns and was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.
Super Bowl XII ( 12 )
Dallas Cowboys 27 – Denver Broncos 10
Super Bowl XII was played on January 15, 1978 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 1977 regular season. It was the first Super Bowl played inside a domed stadium. The NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (15-2) defeated the AFC champion Denver Broncos (14-3), 27–10. The Cowboys defensive team dominated most of the game, forcing 8 turnovers and allowing only 8 pass completions by the Broncos for just 61 yards. For the first and only time, two players won Super Bowl MVP honors: defensive tackle Randy White and defensive end Harvey Martin. This was also the first time that a defensive lineman was named as the Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XIII ( 13 )
Pittsburgh Steelers 35 – Dallas Cowboys 31
Super Bowl XIII was played on January 21, 1979 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1978 regular season. The AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (17–2) defeated the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (14–5), by a score of 35–31. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw was named Super Bowl MVP, Bradshaw completed 17 out of 30 passes for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 318 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns broke Super Bowl records. The Cowboys were the first defending champion to lose in the Super Bowl. They were also the first to lose two Super Bowls to the same team (they lost 21–17 to the Steelers in Super Bowl X). The Cowboys were the first team to score 30 points or more and still lose the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XIV ( 14 )
Los Angeles Rams 19 – Pittsburgh Steelers 31
Super Bowl XIV was played on January 20, 1980 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1979 regular season. The AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (15-4) defeated the NFC champion Los Angeles Rams (11-8), by a score of 31–19, to win their fourth Super Bowl. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw was named the game’s MVP by completing 14 of 21 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns.
Super Bowl XV ( 15 )
Oakland Raiders 27 – Philadelphia Eagles 10
Super Bowl XV was played on January 25, 1981 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 1980 regular season. The AFC Oakland Raiders (15–5) defeated the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles (14–5), by a score of 27–10, to become the first wild card playoff team to win a Super Bowl. The Raiders jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, which the Eagles never recovered from. Oakland quarterback Jim Plunkett was named the Super Bowl MVP, completing 13 of 21 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 9 yards.
Super Bowl XVI ( 16 )
San Francisco 49ers 26 – Cincinnati Bengals 21
Super Bowl XVI was played on January 24, 1982, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to decide the NFL champion following the 1981 regular season. The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (16-3) defeated the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals (14-5), by a score of 26-21. Although the Bengals gained 356 yards of total offense to the 49ers’ 275, San Francisco forced 5 turnovers and jumped to a 20-0 lead by halftime. This marked the first time in Super Bowl history that the team which compiled the most yards and touchdowns lost. 49ers quarterback Joe Montana was named the Super Bowl MVP, completing 14 of 22 passes for 157 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 18 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Super Bowl XVII ( 17 )
Miami Dolphins 17 – Washington Redskins 27
Super Bowl XVII was played on January 30, 1983 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1982 regular season. The NFC champion Washington Redskins (12-1) defeated the AFC champion Miami Dolphins (10-3), by a score of 27–17, as the Redskins scored 17 unanswered points in the second half and gained a Super Bowl record 276 yards on the ground. Washington Running back John Riggins was named Super Bowl MVP. He finished the game with 2 Super Bowl records: the most rushing yards in a Super Bowl game (166), and the most rushing attempts (38).
Super Bowl XVIII ( 18 )
Washington Redskins 9 – Los Angeles Raiders 38
Super Bowl XVIII was played on January 22, 1984 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1983 regular season. The AFC champion Los Angeles Raiders (15-4) defeated the NFC champion Washington Redskins (16-3), by a score of 38–9. The Raiders’ 38 points and their 29 point margin of victory were both Super Bowl records. Raiders’ running back Marcus Allen was the Super Bowl MVP, carrying the ball 20 times, for a then-record total of 191 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 74-yard run in the third quarter. Allen became just the third Heisman Trophy winner to be named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.
Super Bowl XIX ( 19 )
Miami Dolphins 16 – San Francisco 49ers 38
Super Bowl XIX was played on January 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium, on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California, to decide the NFL champion following the 1984 regular season. The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (18-1) defeated the AFC champion Miami Dolphins (16-3), by a score of 38–16, to win their second Super Bowl. The game had two great quarterbacks, Miami’s Dan Marino and San Francisco’s Joe Montana – and indeed this was the first Super Bowl ever in which the starting quarterbacks of each team both threw for over 300 yards. In addition, the two teams combined total of 851 offensive yards was a Super Bowl record (later broken in Super Bowl XXII & Super Bowl XXXVIII). But the 49ers would end up taking the game in dominating fashion. It would be Marino’s only trip to the Super Bowl during his 17 year career. Montana, who was named the Super Bowl MVP, completed 24 of 35 passes for a Super Bowl record 331 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 5 rushes for 59 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. His 59 rushing yards were the most rushing yards ever gained by a quarterback in the Super Bowl at that time. It was one of the most watched games in history with an estimated 115.9 million viewers. This game also was the first time television commercials ran for a million dollars a minute.
Super Bowl XX ( 20 )
Chicago Bears 46 – New England Patriots 10
Super Bowl XX was played on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1985 regular season. The NFC champion Chicago Bears (18-1) won their first Super Bowl by defeating the AFC champion New England Patriots (14-6), by a score of 46–10. The Bears set Super Bowl records for sacks (seven) and fewest rushing yards allowed (seven). The Bears’ 36-point margin over the Patriots was a Super Bowl record until Super Bowl XXIV (45). The Patriots were held to negative yardage (-19) throughout the entire first half, and just 123 total yards in the entire game, the second lowest total in Super Bowl history. Bears defensive end Richard Dent, who had 1.5 quarterback sacks, forced two fumbles, and blocked a pass, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Super Bowl XXI ( 21 )
Denver Broncos 20 – New York Giants 39
Super Bowl XXI was played on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1986 regular season. The NFC champion New York Giants (17–2) won their first Super Bowl by defeating the AFC champion Denver Broncos (13–6), by a score of 39–20. The Giants scored 26 consecutive points during the second, third, and fourth quarters, and a Super Bowl record 30 points in the second half. New York quarterback Phil Simms was named the Super Bowl MVP, finishing the game with 22 of 25 passes completed for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Simms also had 25 rushing yards on 3 carries. His 22 out of 25 (88%) completion percentage set a Super Bowl record.
Super Bowl XXII ( 22 )
Washington Redskins 42 – Denver Broncos 10
Super Bowl XXII was played on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1987 regular season. The NFC champion Washington Redskins (14–4) won their second Super Bowl by defeating the AFC champion Denver Broncos (12–5–1), by a score of 42–10, scoring 42 unanswered points after being down 10–0.
The Redskins set the following Super Bowl records in the victory:
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- Total offensive yards (602)
- Total offensive rushing yards (280)
- Most touchdowns scored in a Super Bowl game (6)
- Total offensive yards in a quarter (356)
- Most points in a quarter (35)
- Most touchdowns in a quarter (5)
- The largest deficit a team has overcome to win a Super Bowl (10 points)
Both teams combined to set the following records: - Total combined offensive yards (929)
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Redskins quarterback Doug Williams was named the Super Bowl MVP, completing 18 of 29 passes for a Super Bowl record 340 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. Williams became the first player in Super Bowl history to pass for four touchdowns in a single quarter, and throw four in a half. Williams was also the first African-American quarterback to reach the Super Bowl. This game came at the end of a season that was shortened by a players’ strike, but each team only missed one regular season game due to the labor dispute.
Super Bowl XXIII ( 23 )
Cincinnati Bengals 16 – San Francisco 49ers 20
Super Bowl XXIII was played on January 22, 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1988 regular season. The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (13-6) defeated the AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals (14-5), by a score of 20-16. This was the second meeting between the two teams in the Super Bowl, their first meeting being seven years earlier. The game is remembered for the 49ers’ fourth-quarter game-winning drive. Down 16-13, San Francisco got the ball on their own eight yard line with 3:10 on the clock and marched 92 yards down the field in under three minutes. They then scored the winning touchdown on a Joe Montana pass to John Taylor with just 34 seconds left in the game. 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice was named the Super Bowl MVP. He caught 11 passes for a Super Bowl record 215 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing once for 5 yards. This was also the final NFL game coached by the 49ers’ Bill Walsh. This was also the final Super Bowl that Pete Rozelle presided over as NFL Commissioner. On January 26, 2006, NFL.com ranked this game number 1 on its list of the top 10 Super Bowls of all time.
Super Bowl XXIV ( 24 )
San Francisco 49ers 55 – Denver Broncos 10
Super Bowl XXIV was played on January 28, 1990 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 1989 regular season. The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (17-2) won their fourth Super Bowl by defeating the AFC champion Denver Broncos (13-6), by a score of 55–10. The 49ers’ 55 points were the most ever scored by one team, and their 45-point margin of victory was the largest ever. This marked the first time in 10 years that a team won back-to-back Super Bowls, the last time being when the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowls XIII and XIV following the 1978 and 1979 seasons. Joe Montana was named the Super Bowl MVP, his third award in his fourth Super Bowl victory. He completed 22 of 29 passes for a total of 297 yards and a Super Bowl record 5 touchdowns, while also rushing for 15 yards. Montana’s 75.9 completion percentage was the second highest in Super Bowl history Montana became the third player in league history to win both the Super Bowl MVP and the AP Most Valuable Player Award during the same season. Bart Starr and Terry Bradshaw also won both after the 1966 and 1978 seasons, respectively.
Super Bowl XXV ( 25 )
Buffalo Bills 19 – New York Giants 20
Super Bowl XXV was played on January 27, 1991 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1990 regular season. The NFC Champion New York Giants (16-3) defeated the AFC champion Buffalo Bills (15-4), by a score of 20–19, the smallest margin of victory in Super Bowl history. This was the first Super Bowl involving two teams representing the same state. Giants running back Ottis Anderson, who carried the ball 21 times for 102 yards and one touchdown, was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXVI ( 26 )
Washington Redskins 37 – Buffalo Bills 24
Super Bowl XXVI was played on January 26, 1992 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota to decide the NFL champion following the 1991 regular season. The NFC champion Washington Redskins (17–2) defeated the AFC champion Buffalo Bills (15–4), by a score of 37–24. Washington became the fourth team to win three Super Bowls, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders, and the San Francisco 49ers. The Bills also became the third team to lose back-to-back Super Bowls, joining Minnesota (Super Bowls VIII and IX) and Denver (Super Bowls XXI and XXII). The Redskins jumped to a 24–0 lead early in the third quarter, which the Bills could never recover from. Washington quarterback Mark Rypien, who completed 18 of 33 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, with 1 interception, was named the first Canadian born player to win the Super Bowl MVP. Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs became only the third head coach to win three Super Bowls. Washington became the first team to win three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks, following wins by Joe Theismann (Super Bowl XVII) and Doug Williams (Super Bowl XXII).
Super Bowl XXVII ( 27 )
Buffalo Bills 17 – Dallas Cowboys 52
Super Bowl XXVII was played on January 31, 1993 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1992 regular season. The NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (16-3) defeated the AFC champion Buffalo Bills (14-6), by a score of 52–17 (a then-record 69 combined points). The Cowboys won their third Super Bowl in team history. The Bills became the first team to lose three consecutive Super Bowls, and just the second team to play in three straight (the Miami Dolphins played in Super Bowls VI-VIII, winning VII and VIII). Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 26 of 35 passes for 273 yards `and 4 touchdowns, while also rushing for 41 yards.
Super Bowl XXVIII ( 28 )
Dallas Cowboys 30 – Buffalo Bills 13
Super Bowl XXVIII was played on January 12, 1994, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, to decide the NFL champion following the 1993 regular season. The NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (15-4) defeated the AFC champion Buffalo Bills (14-5), by a score of 30–13. This was the first time in Super Bowl history that the same two teams have met in two consecutive Super Bowls. The Cowboys won their fourth Super Bowl in team history, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers for most Super Bowl wins, while the Bills became the first team to appear in 4 consecutive title games. Buffalo also joined the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos as the only teams to lose four. Dallas scored 24 unanswered points in the second half. Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith was named the Super Bowl MVP, with 30 carries for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also catching 4 passes for 26 yards
Super Bowl XXIX ( 29 )
San Diego Chargers 26 – San Francisco 49ers 49
Super Bowl XXIX was played on January 29, 1995 at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1994 regular season. The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers (16–3) defeated the AFC champion San Diego Chargers (13-6), by a score of 49–26. The 49ers became the first team to win five Super Bowls while the Chargers were making their first Super Bowl appearance. This marked the second time that two teams from the same state played in the Super Bowl. 49ers quarterback Steve Young threw a record 6 touchdown passes and the Super Bowl MVP award. He also completed 24 out of 36 passes for 325 yards, and was the top rusher of the game with 49 rushing yards (the first time both top passer and rusher were the same person). This game is regarded as Young’s final leap out of the shadow of his predecessor, Joe Montana, who had won four Super Bowls with the 49ers, two with Young as the backup quarterback. Young became the 5th player to win both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and Super Bowl MVP during the same season. He follows Bart Starr in 1966, Terry Bradshaw in 1978, Joe Montana in 1989, and Emmitt Smith in 1993.
Super Bowl XXX ( 30 )
Dallas Cowboys 27 – Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Super Bowl XXX was played on January 28, 1996 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona to decide the NFL champion following the 1995 regular season. The NFC champion Dallas Cowboys (15–4) defeated the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (13–6) by a score of 27–17. Dallas tied the San Francisco 49ers for the most Super Bowl wins by a team (5) and became the first team to win three Super Bowls in four years. This game was the third meeting between the Cowboys and Steelers in a Super Bowl (after Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII), which is currently the most between any two NFL teams. For Pittsburgh, it was their first Super Bowl loss in team history after winning four in the 1970s. Pittsburgh would later surpass both the Cowboys and 49ers with 6 Super Bowl victories after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL ten years later and Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Dallas’ Larry Brown became the first cornerback to be named Super Bowl MVP, by recording two interceptions and returning them for a total of 77 yards.
Super Bowl XXXI ( 31 )
New England Patriots 21 – Green Bay Packers 35
Super Bowl XXXI was played on January 26, 1997 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 1996 regular season. The NFC champion Green Bay Packers (16-3) defeated the AFC champion New England Patriots (13-6) by a score of 35–21. This was the Packers’ third overall Super Bowl victory, and their first one since Super Bowl II. Kick/punt returner Desmond Howard was named Super Bowl MVP, the first special teams player ever to do so. He ran for 154 kickoff return yards, and scored the game-clinching touchdown on a Super Bowl record 99-yard kickoff return. Howard also recorded a Super Bowl record 90 punt return yards, thus setting the Super Bowl records of total return yards (244) and combined net yards gained (244). Howard became the 4th Heisman Trophy winner to be named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXXII ( 32 )
Green Bay Packers 24 – Denver Broncos 31
Super Bowl XXXII was played on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the NFL champion following the 1997 regular season. Qualcomm Stadium would also host the 1998 World Series, becoming the only stadium to host the Super Bowl and the World Series in the same calendar year. The AFC champion Denver Broncos (16–4) defeated the NFC champion Green Bay Packers (15–4) by a score of 31–24. The Broncos’ win was their first league championship after suffering four previous Super Bowl losses, and snapped a 13-game losing streak for AFC teams in the Super Bowl. The Broncos became just the second wild card team to win a Super Bowl. Despite suffering a migraine headache that caused him to miss most of the second quarter, Denver running back Terrell Davis (a San Diego native) was named Super Bowl MVP. He ran for 157 yards, caught 2 passes for 8 yards, and scored a Super Bowl record three rushing touchdowns.
Super Bowl XXXIII ( 33 )
Denver Broncos 34 – Atlanta Falcons 19
Super Bowl XXXIII was played on January 31, 1999 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 1998 regular season. The AFC champion Denver Broncos (17–2) defeated the NFC champion Atlanta Falcons (17–2) by a score of 34–19. Denver quarterback John Elway was named the Super Bowl MVP. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
Super Bowl XXXIV ( 34 )
St. Louis Rams 23 – Tennessee Titans 16
Super Bowl XXXIV played on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia to decide the NFL champion following for the 1999 regular season. The NFC champion St. Louis Rams (16–3) defeated the AFC champion Tennessee Titans (16–4) by a score of 23–16, to capture their first Super Bowl win and their first NFL championship since 1951. Warner, who completed 24 out of 45 passes for 414 yards and 2 touchdowns, was named the Most Valuable Player. His 414 passing yards and 45 pass attempts without an interception were both Super Bowl records. Warner became the sixth player to win both the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and the Super Bowl MVP award during the same season. He follows Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Emmitt Smith and Steve Young.
Super Bowl XXXV ( 35 )
Baltimore Ravens 34 – New York Giants 7
Super Bowl XXXV was played on January 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 2000 regular season. The AFC champion Baltimore Ravens (16–4) defeated the NFC champion New York Giants (14–5) by a score of 34–7. The Ravens became the third wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Baltimore allowed only 152 yards of offense by the Giants (the third lowest total ever in a Super Bowl), recorded 4 sacks, and forced 5 turnovers. All 16 of the Giants possessions ended with punts or interceptions, with the exception of the last one which ended when time expired in the game. Linebacker Ray Lewis made 11 tackles, 14 sacks, 6 assists, and blocked 4 passes and was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXXVI ( 36 )
St. Louis Rams 17 – New England Patriots 20
Super Bowl XXXVI was played on February 3, 2002 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the NFL champion following the 2001 regular season. The AFC champion New England Patriots (14–5) win their first Super Bowl by defeating the NFC champion St. Louis Rams (16–3) by a score of 20–17, kicker Adam Vinatieri made a game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired. Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, who completed 16 of 27 passes for 145 yards with a touchdown and marched his team down the field for the game winning score, was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXXVII ( 37 )
Oakland Raiders 21 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48
Super Bowl XXXVII was played on January 26, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California to decide the NFL champion following the 2002 regular season. The NFC champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (15-4)[league’s number 1 ranked defense] won their first Super Bowl by defeating the AFC champion Oakland Raiders (13-6)[league’s Number 1 ranked offense] by a score of 48–21. The Tampa Bay defense dominated the contest. Bucs safety Dexter Jackson, who had two interceptions and returned them for 34 yards, was named Super Bowl MVP. Jackson became only the second safety and third defensive back to ever be named Super Bowl MVP. The attendance of 67,603 was the third-smallest ever for a Super Bowl game, trailing only Super Bowl I (61,946) and Super Bowl XXVI (63,130).
Super Bowl XXXVIII ( 38 )
Carolina Panthers 29 – New England Patriots 32
Super Bowl XXXVIII was played on February 1, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas to decide the NFL champion following the 2003 regular season. The NFC champion Carolina Panthers (14-6) almost won their first Super Bowl but were defeated by the AFC champion New England Patriots (17–2) by a score of 32–29. New England quarterback Tom Brady was named Most Valuable Player for the second time in three years. He set a Super Bowl record for the most pass completions (32). Brady also recorded a 66.7 completion percentage (48 pass attempts), 354 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and 12 rushing yards. At the time, this was the most watched Super Bowl ever with 144.4 million viewers. NFL fans and sports writers widely consider it one of the most well-played and exciting Super Bowls. This was the first time the Patriots played in a Super Bowl that was not in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was the first time the Panthers played in a Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XXXIX ( 39 )
New England Patriots 24 – Philadelphia Eagles 21
Super Bowl XXXIX was played on 6 February 2005, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, to decide the NFL champion following the 2004 regular season. The AFC champion New England Patriots (17-2) defeated the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles (15-4), by a score of 24–21, and became the first team since the 1997–98 Denver Broncos to win consecutive Super Bowls. New England also became the second team after the Dallas Cowboys to win three Super Bowls in four years. This was the Patriots’ third straight Super Bowl victory in which they won by a margin of three points. New England wide receiver Deion Branch, who recorded 133 receiving yards and tied the Super Bowl record with 11 catches, was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player. Branch was the third offensive player ever to win Super Bowl MVP honors without scoring a touchdown or throwing a touchdown pass. The other 2 players were Joe Namath in Super Bowl III and Fred Biletnikoff in Super Bowl XI.
Super Bowl XL ( 40 )
Seattle Seahawks 10 – Pittsburgh Steelers 21
Super Bowl XL was Played on February 5, 2006 at Ford Field in Detroit to decide the NFL champion following the 2005 regular season. The AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) defeated NFC champion Seattle Seahawks (13-3) by a score of 21–10. The Steelers joined the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys as the only franchises to have won five Super Bowls. Pittsburgh became the fourth wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, who had five receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 18 yards, was named the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player, joining Fred Biletnikoff, Jerry Rice, Deion Branch, Lynn Swann and Santonio Holmes as the only wide receivers to win the award.
Super Bowl XLI ( 41 )
Indianapolis Colts 29 – Chicago Bears 17
Super Bowl XLI was played on February 4, 2007, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 2006 regular season. The AFC champion Indianapolis Colts (12-4) defeated the NFC champion Chicago Bears (13-3), by a score of 29-17. The Colts made their first appearance in a Super Bowl game since winning Super Bowl V in the 1970 season during the team’s tenure in Baltimore; they moved to Indianapolis in 1984. The Bears made their first appearance since winning Super Bowl XX in the 1985 season. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, completing 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown, with one interception. This was Manning’s first Super Bowl title after being one of the league’s most dominant quarterbacks throughout his ten-year-old career
Super Bowl XLII ( 42 )
New York Giants 17 – New England Patriots 14
Super Bowl XLII was played on February 3, 2008 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to decide the NFL champion following the 2007 regular season. The NFC champion New York Giants (14–6) defeated the AFC champion New England Patriots (18–1) by a score of 17–14. The Giants became the first NFC wild card team to win a Super Bowl. They also became the sixth wild card seed from either conference. The victory marked the franchise’s seventh NFL championship and third Super Bowl win since Super Bowl XXV in January 1991. The Giants head coach was Tom Coughlin. The Patriots were coached by Bill Belichick. Giants Eli Manning, who threw both of his touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, was named the Most Valuable Player. The first three quarters of Super Bowl XLII were largely a defensive battle, as both teams combined for only 10 points entering into the final quarter, with the Patriots leading 7–3. New York finally scored their first touchdown with 11:05 left in the game to take a 10–7 lead. New England eventually responded with a touchdown of their own to take a 14–10 lead with 2:42 left. Then came the defining play of the game: faced with third down and five yards to go from his own 44-yard line with 1:15 remaining, Giants quarterback Eli Manning avoided what looked like a sack and completed a 32-yard pass to wide receiver David Tyree, who made a leaping catch by pinning the ball on his helmet, which put them at New England’s 24-yard-line. Four plays later, New York wide receiver Plaxico Burress caught the winning touchdown with 0:35 left.
Super Bowl XLIII ( 43 )
Pittsburgh Steelers 27 – Arizona Cardinals 23
Super Bowl XLIII was played on February 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 2008 regular season. The AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers (15–4) defeated the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals (12–7) by a score of 27-23. Steelers earning their sixth Super Bowl win, and thus securing sole possession of the record for most Super Bowl wins. Pittsburgh outgained Arizona 158 to 102 yards in the first half, jumping to a 17–7 lead at halftime, aided by linebacker James Harrison’s Super Bowl record 100-yard interception return for a touchdown [longest play in super bowl history]. However, trailing 20–7 at the start of the fourth quarter, Arizona scored 16 unanswered points, including wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s 64-yard touchdown reception, to take the lead with 2:37 remaining in the game. the Steelers marched 78-yards to score on wide receiver Santonio Holmes’s 6-yard game-winning touchdown catch with 35 seconds left. Holmes, who caught nine passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, including four receptions for 71 yards on that final game-winning drive, was named Super Bowl MVP. He became the sixth wide receiver to win the award, and also was the third Pittsburgh receiver to win the award, following Lynn Swann and Hines Ward.
Super Bowl XLIV ( 44 )
New Orleans Saint 31 – Indianapolis Colts 17
Super Bowl XLIV was played on February 7, 2010 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida to decide the NFL champion following the 2009 regular season.
Drew Brees was the Super Bowl MVP with a 114.5 passer rating. completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Saints CB Tracy Porter stepped in front of Peyton Manning’s pass intended for Reggie Wayne, intercepted it, and returned the pick 74 yards for a touchdown to give New Orleans a 31-17 lead with 3:12 remaining in the game. The Colts were unable to rally in the final minutes, giving New Orleans its first Super Bowl championship.
The Saints, who lost their final three regular-season games, are the first team to take a three-game losing streak into the playoffs and win the Super Bowl
The Saints’ Garrett Hartley became the first kicker in Super Bowl history with three field goals made from 40-plus yards (46, 44 and 47). … Thomas, who had 85 total yards, is the third running back in NFL history to have a receiving touchdown in both a conference title game and the Super Bowl…. Colts K Matt Stover, who was 1-for-2 on field goal attempts, became the oldest player in a Super Bowl at 42 years, 11 days. … Indianapolis’ 96-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter tied the 1985 Bears (Super Bowl XX) for the longest in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl XLV ( 45 )
Green Bay Packers 31 – Pittsburgh Steelers 25
January 06, 2011 – Dallas, TX
The NFL champion Green Bay Packers (10-6-0) defeated the AFL champion Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4-0), by a score of 31–25. Super Bowl XLV was played on February 6, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas to decide the NFL champion following the 2010 regular season.
Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers was the Super Bowl MVP. completing 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards. Rodgers threw three touchdown passes, and Nick Collins returned an interception for another score. The Steelers trailed 21-3 before halftime. Ben Roethlisberger pulled them within 28-25 midway through the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass and a nifty two-point conversion. The Packers answered with a field goal, giving Roethlisberger and the Steelers one last chance. Needing to go 87 yards in 1:59 with one timeout left, the Steelers couldn’t make it. The game capped an interesting weather week in Dallas. Snow and ice caused traffic snarls, canceled flights. A total of 1,250 seats were considered unsafe hours before kickoff. About 400 people with tickets couldn’t be seated inside the stadium, Christina Aguilera singing the national anthem botched the lyrics, The Black Eyed Peas performed halftime badly and some of the worst TV commercials. At least the Packers and Steelers put on a terrific show.
Super Bowl XLV ( 46 )
New York Giants 21 – New England Patriots 17
(2012)
The 46th Super Bowl was played on February 5, 2012 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana to decide the NFL champion following the 2011 regular season. It was a rematch of Super Bowl XLII (42).
The NFC champion New York Giants (9-7-0) defeated the 1st. place AFC champion New England Patriots (13-3-0) by a score of 21–17. This was the second time the Giants won a Super Bowl from a wild card and the first Super Bowl with two starting quarterbacks who previously won Super Bowl MVP award.
The Giants head coach was Tom Coughlin. Eli Manning [QB] was the Super Bowl MV. Manning finished 30 for 40 for 296 yards and one touchdown [30/40, 296 YDS, 1 TD]. Tom Coughlin [154-121 Career] set the record as the oldest coach, at 65, to win a Super Bowl. Giants Time of Possession 37:05
The Patriots were coached by Bill Belichick [192-104 Career]. Tom Brady [QB] was 27 for 41 for 276 yards with two TDs and one interception [27/41, 276 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT]. It was the fifth trip to a Super Bowl for Brady and Belichick. Patriots Time of Possession 22:55
Super Bowl XLVII ( 47 )
Baltimore Ravens 34 – San Francisco 49ers 31
(2013)
The 47th Super Bowl was played on February 3, 2013 at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, to decide the NFL champion following the 2012 regular season. Baltimore defeated San Francisco by a score of 34–31. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns.
The Ravens, after finishing the 2012 regular season with a 10–6 record. The 49ers entered the game seeking their sixth Super Bowl win in team history, which would have tied the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most by a franchise. San Francisco finished the regular season with a win–loss record of 11–4–1. The game pitted brothers Jim and John Harbaugh—the head coaches of the 49ers and Ravens, respectively against each other.
This was the tenth Super Bowl to be played in the city of New Orleans, equaling Miami’s record of ten in an individual city. Beyoncé performed in the halftime show. Shortly after the halftime show, the game was delayed for 34 minutes due to a partial power outage in the stadium. Super Bowl XLVII was broadcast on the CBS network, Super Bowl XLVII was watched by an estimated average audience of 108.69 million, the highest rate for any Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLVIII ( 48 )
Seattle Seahawks 43 – Denver Broncos 08
(2014)
The 48th Super Bowl was played on February 2, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to decide the NFL champion following the 2013 regular season. Super Bowl XLVIII was the first NFL Championship Game to be held in the New York metropolitan area since December 1962 and would be the first Super Bowl to be played outdoors in a cold weather environment. Kickoff temperature of 49 °F. Previous Super Bowls in cold-weather cities were held at indoor stadiums. To date, the coldest outdoor Super Bowl was Super Bowl VI, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans on January 16, 1972, with a kickoff temperature of 39 °F.
Seahawks crush Broncos for first Super Bowl win. Linebacker Malcolm Smith returned an interception of a Peyton Manning pass 69 yards for a touchdown late in the first half Sunday, and Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff of the second half 87 yards for another TD. The Seahawks led 36-0 before Denver finally scored on the last play of the third quarter. Manning was 34-of-49 passing for 280 yards, but most of that came after Seattle had all but put the game away. He was flustered by Seattle’s fierce defense for most of the first half, throwing two interceptions. The second fluttered into Smith’s hands after Cliff Avril struck the five-time NFL MVP’s arm as he was releasing the ball. Second-year quarterback Russell Wilson was coolly efficient for the Seahawks, throwing for two touchdowns. linebacker Malcolm Smith was the game’s MVP, the first defender in 11 years to win the award.
Recording artist Bruno Mars performs at halftime with spical guest the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The performance attracted the largest Halftime Show audience in the history of Super Bowls, attracting 115.3 million viewers, Fox announced Monday, citing Nielsen data.
Super Bowl XLIX ( 49 )
New England Patriots 28 – Seattle Seahawks 24
(2015)
The 49th Super Bowl was played on February 1, 2015 at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, to decide the NFL champion following the 2014 regular season. It was the second time the stadium has hosted a Super Bowl, and the third one held in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The Seahawks made their second consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl, having defeated the Denver Broncos, 43–8, in Super Bowl XLVIII, while the Patriots joined the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers as one of the three teams to have made eight appearances in the Super Bowl.
After the teams were tied 14–14 at halftime, the Seahawks built a ten-point lead to end the third quarter. The Patriots, however, rallied to take a 28–24 lead with roughly two minutes left in the game. Seattle threatened to score in the final moments, driving the ball to New England’s 1-yard line. With 26 seconds remaining in the game, they decided to pass the ball in a highly scrutinized play that resulted in Patriots rookie Malcolm Butler making a game-saving interception of Russell Wilson’s throw. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after a Super Bowl-record 37 completions on 50 attempts for 328 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX is the most watched program in American television history, surpassing the previous year’s game.[12] The game was seen by an average of 114.4 million viewers, with it reaching to 118.5 million during the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show featuring Katy Perry,[13] and then peaking to 120.8 million during New England’s fourth-quarter comeback
Super Bowl 50
Denver Broncos 24 – Carolina Panthers 10
(2016)
The 50th Super Bowl was played on February 7th, 2016 at Levi’s Stadium in San Clara, California to determine the champion of the National Football League (NFL) for the 2015 season. The American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Carolina Panthers 24–10 to earn their third Super Bowl title.
The Broncos finished the regular season with a 12–4 record, thanks to having the league’s top defense despite the struggles of starting quarterback Peyton Manning,[5] and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots 20–18 in the AFC Championship Game. They joined the Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers as one of four teams that have made eight appearances in the Super Bowl.
The Broncos took an early lead in Super Bowl 50 and never trailed. Newton was limited by Denver’s defense, which registered seven sacks and forced him into three turnovers, including a fumble which they recovered for a touchdown.[6] Carolina’s defense kept the game close by holding Denver’s offense without a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter; defensive end Kony Ealy became the first player in Super Bowl history to have an interception and three sacks. Denver linebacker Von Miller was named Super Bowl MVP; Miller recorded five solo tackles, 2½ sacks, and two forced fumbles in the game
CBS broadcast Super Bowl 50 in the U.S., and charged an average of $5 million for a 30-second commercial during the game. The Super Bowl 50 halftime show was headlined by the British rock group Coldplay with special guest performers Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. It was the most-watched U.S. broadcast ever, with 167.0 million viewers
For the first time in Super Bowl history, the game will be branded with the Arabic numeral 50 instead of the Roman Numeral ‘L’.
Super Bowl LI ( 51 )
New England Patriots 34 – Atlanta Falcons 28
(2017)
Super Bowl LI was an American football game played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions New England Patriots and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions Atlanta Falcons, to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2016 season. Super Bowl LI was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, February 5, 2017. The halftime show was headlined by Lady Gaga. An average of 111.3 million viewers watched Super Bowl LI. In the United States, Super Bowl LI was televised by Fox who set the base rate for a 30-second commercial at $5 million, Fox was able to earn an estimated $20 million by airing four extra commercials due to the additional overtime period.
The Patriots defeated the Falcons, 34–28, in the first Super Bowl ever to go into an overtime. The Patriots overcame a 25-point deficit to win (they trailed 28–3 with 2:07 left in the third quarter. The Patriots won the coin toss to start overtime, and elected to receive the ball and scored on their opening drive to a 34–28 victory. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl LII ( 52 )
Philadelphia Eagles (41) – New England Patriots (33)
(2018)
Super Bowl 52 was an American football game played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions New England Patriots (15-4) and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions Philadelphia Eagles (16-3), to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2017 season. Super Bowl 52 was played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Sunday, February 4, 2018. The halftime show was headlined by Justin Timberlake. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. Foles completed 28-of-43 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
by the Numbers: 67,612: Attendance at U.S. Bank Stadium for Super Bowl LII. 1,055,000: Attendance at Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon during 10-day festival. 235,000: Attendance at Super Bowl LIVE on Saturday, February 3, biggest attendance day (and also the snowiest). 61,000: Record-breaking number of passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday, February 5. 1,630: Private jet arrivals at Twin Cities airports during week of Super Bowl.
Super Bowl LIII ( 53 )
(2019)
Super Bowl 53 was an American football game played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions New England Patriots (11-5) and National Football Conference (NFC) Los Angeles Rams, 13–3. The game was played on February 3, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2018 season.
Super Bowl 53 was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in history, It also marked the first Super Bowl with no touchdowns scored by either team in the first three quarters, as the Patriots and the Rams held the contest to a 3–3 tie as they entered the fourth quarter. New England then scored 10 unanswered points for the victory, as their lone touchdown tied them with the New York Jets in Super Bowl III for the fewest touchdowns by a winning Super Bowl team. The Rams ended up as only the second Super Bowl team to not score a touchdown, joining the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. Edelman caught 10 passes for 141 yards.
The broadcast of the game on CBS had the smallest Super Bowl audience in 10 years due in part to NFL response of the NFC Championship Game and the (NFC) Los Angeles Rams appearance in Super Bowl 53. Initial overnight Nielsen Ratings measured a 44.9 rating for the game, down 5% from the previous year and the lowest rating for a Super Bowl since Super Bowl 43 ten years prior. 98.2 million viewers were measured, the fewest since Super Bowl 42. Jemele Hill of The Atlantic attributed the low ratings “to the game being the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever, moderate national interest in the Rams, the lingering bad taste from the huge blown call in the NFC Championship Game, and Patriots fatigue”. In New Orleans, whose Saints had lost the NFC Championship in part because of the blown call, ratings were down 51% compared to Super Bowl 52 as Louisianans boycotted and refused to watch the game. Outside the Boston market, where the 57.1 overnight rating was the highest among local market, Los Angeles was near the national average. A downturn of approximately 5% was noted during the halftime show. The halftime show was headlined by U.S. pop group Maroon 5. Gladys Knight sang the National anthem.
NFC Championship Game
The Rams had the first-round bye as the NFC’s second overall seed. They then defeated the New Orleans Saints 26–23 in the NFC Championship Game, scoring a game-winning field goal in overtime. The Saints jumped out to an early 13–0 first quarter lead. With 6 minutes left in the second quarter. With the score tied at 3, Rams quarterback Jared Goff fumbled the ball, which was picked up by Saints’ defensive end Cam Jordan and returned 87 yards for a touchdown. It was during the return that the referees blew their whistles and stopped the play, ruling that Goff had thrown an incomplete pass. The call was changed to a fumble after a challenge by Saints Coach Sean Payton, but the touchdown didn’t count because the play was blown dead. Rams rallied to close the lead to 13–10 at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, the Rams tied the game at 20–20, with just over 5 minutes remaining. The Saints moved the ball to the Rams’ 13 yard line despite during the drive of a hand full of bad or no calls from the referees’. On 13 yard line, on third down, quarterback Drew Brees threw a pass to receiver Tommy lee Lewis, who was covered by Nickell Robey-Coleman. Though Robey-Coleman knocked Lewis to the ground and the pass fell incomplete, no penalty was called and the Saints’ Wil Lutz kicked a 31-yard field goal to take the lead. The Rams took possession and sent the game to overtime with a 48-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein. In overtime, Brees threw an interception on their first drive and Zuerlein kicked a 57-yard field goal to win the game. The stunning non-call on obvious pass interference that sent the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl 53.
Al Riveron, currently the Senior Vice President of Officiating of the NFL, called Payton immediately after the game and admitted the referees had missed the call. The league later admitted the referees also missed a helmet-to-helmet hit on the play, for which the NFL fined Robey-Coleman $26,739.
Goodell did not address the call for 10 days, until he held his annual news conference during the week of the Super Bowl.
“We understand the frustration of the fans,” Goodell said. “We talked to Coach Payton. The team, the players, we understand the frustration that they feel right now. And we certainly want to address them. “Whenever officiating is part of any kind of discussion postgame, it’s never a good outcome for us. But we also know that our officials are human. We also know they are officiating a game in which they often have to make snap decisions under difficult circumstances. And they’re not going to get it right every time. As I say, they’re human.”
Multiple lawsuits were filed against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell over the missed call in the NFC championship game resulted in the NFL making pass interference calls and non-calls reviewable on instant replay after the fact. NFL team owners voted 31-1 to expand instant replay to pass interference, with the Cincinnati Bengals being the only team to abstain. Coaches can challenge plays called pass interference and not called pass interference. It’s the first time judgment calls can be reviewed. The new provisions could be revisited after this season, because owners voted to make them a one-year trial.