Super Bowl XXXIII Matchup

Lore & Background

The defending Super Bowl champion Broncos entered the game with an AFC-best 14–2 regular season record. The Falcons, under former Broncos head coach Dan Reeves, were making their first Super Bowl appearance after also posting a 14–2 regular season record. Aided by quarterback John Elway's 80-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rod Smith, the Broncos scored 17 consecutive points to build a 17–3 lead in the second quarter from which the Falcons could not recover. In the final game of his career before his announced retirement on May 2, 1999, Elway completed 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and also scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown.

In Their Own Story

The humidity hung heavy over Pro Player Stadium as the crowd erupted in anticipation. Inside the Falcons' locker room, the silence was palpable after the final whistle. Chris Chandler stared at his helmet, reflecting on fourteen wins that led to this moment. The dream had been realized just once before for Atlanta, but the trophy remained out of reach.

Reader's Guide

At 38 years old, John Elway became the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP, a record that stood until Tom Brady surpassed it in 2017 at the age of 39, coincidentally also against the Falcons. This was Elway's first Super Bowl MVP award (he did not win MVP in Super Bowl XXXII).

Did You Know?

• John Elway won Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXXIII, but it was his first Super Bowl MVP award (he did not win MVP in Super Bowl XXXII).
• At 38 years old, Elway became the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP, a record that stood until Tom Brady surpassed it in 2017 at the age of 39, coincidentally also against the Falcons.