Super Bowl History: The Greatest Game in American Sport
The Super Bowl is the most watched sporting event in American history and one of the most watched broadcasts globally. Since Super Bowl I on January 15, 1967, the game has grown from a novelty contest between two rival leagues into a cultural phenomenon that stops the United States every February.
The Origins: AFL vs NFL
The Super Bowl began as a championship game between the NFL and the rival American Football League (AFL). The first game — played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — featured the Green Bay Packers (NFL) against the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL). The Packers, led by quarterback Bart Starr and coached by Vince Lombardi, won 35-10.
The AFL and NFL merged in 1970, creating the modern NFL configuration of the AFC and NFC conferences.
Most Super Bowl Wins by Team
| Team | Super Bowl Wins | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 6 | 11 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 | 8 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 5 | 8 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 5 | 8 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 4 | 6 |
| New York Giants | 4 | 4 |
| Record | Player | Stats |
| Most TD passes in a game | Steve Young | 6 TDs (SB XXIX) |
| Most passing yards in a game | Tom Brady | 505 yards (SB LII) |
| Most rushing yards in a game | Timmy Smith | 204 yards (SB XXII) |
| Most receiving yards in a game | Jerry Rice | 215 yards (SB XXIX) |
| Most Super Bowl MVP awards | Tom Brady | 5 |
The Halftime Show: Football's Biggest Stage
The Super Bowl Halftime Show has become as anticipated as the game itself. From Michael Jackson's landmark 1993 performance to Beyoncé (2013, 2016), Bruno Mars (2014, 2016), Lady Gaga (2017), Jennifer Lopez & Shakira (2020), and Rihanna (2023) — the show has featured the biggest names in entertainment.
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- NFL.com, "Super Bowl History," accessed 2024.
- Pro Football Reference, "Super Bowl Results Database," 2024.