Super Bowl XXXI
The Packers' third Super Bowl victory, sealed by Desmond Howard's record 99-yard kickoff return.
Super Bowl XXXI was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1996 season. The Packers defeated the Patriots 35–21 to win their third Super Bowl, which was their twelfth NFL championship in franchise history and first since Super Bowl II in 1968. It was also the last in a run of 13 straight Super Bowl victories by the NFC over the AFC. The game was played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Date
- January 26, 1997
- Location
- Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans
- MVP
- Desmond Howard (Return Specialist)
- Final Score
- Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21
- Head Coach
- Mike Holmgren
- Super Bowl Number
- XXXI
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
This Super Bowl featured two clubs that had recently returned to competitiveness. After 24 mostly dismal seasons since Vince Lombardi left, the Packers' fortunes turned after head coach Mike Holmgren and quarterback Brett Favre joined the team in 1992. After four losing seasons, the Patriots' rise began in 1993 when Bill Parcells was hired as head coach, and the team drafted quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Under their respective head coaches and quarterbacks, Green Bay posted an NFC-best 13–3 regular season record in 1996, while New England advanced to their second Super Bowl after recording an 11–5 record in what would be their first of eleven Super Bowl appearances under owner Robert Kraft.
In Their Own Story
Favre scanned the defense, eyes locked on his targets with that trademark intensity. Then came the moment: Howard caught the punt, a blur of yellow and green, sprinting untouched through the shadows toward the end zone. Crossing the goal line, he raised his arms as thirty years of collective silence finally shattered into cheers. On the sideline, Reggie White watched his teammates celebrate, helmet in hand—the Minister of Defense witnessing his legacy sealed.
Reader's Guide
The game began with the teams combining for 24 first-quarter points, the most in Super Bowl history. The Packers then scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter, including Favre's then-Super Bowl record 81-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Freeman. In the third quarter, the Patriots cut the lead to 27–21 due to running back Curtis Martin's 18-yard rushing touchdown. But on the ensuing kickoff, Desmond Howard returned the ball a then-Super Bowl record 99 yards for a touchdown. The score proved to be the last one, as both teams' defenses took over the rest of the game. Howard became the first special teams player ever to be named Super Bowl MVP. He gained a total of 154 kickoff return yards, and also recorded a then-Super Bowl record 90 punt return yards, thus tying the then-Super Bowl records of total return yards (244) and combined net yards gained (244).
Did You Know?
- This was the first Super Bowl broadcast by Fox under its first contract to carry NFL games.
- By a large margin it was the highest-rated program aired in Fox's history at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Super Bowl XXXI take place?
The game occurred on January 26, 1997, inside the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. This venue provided a hot atmosphere for the championship showdown between Green Bay and New England.
Who was the head coach leading the Packers to victory?
Mike Holmgren served as the head coach who orchestrated the team's strategy during this historic season. His leadership helped guide the squad past Bill Parcells' Patriots in a decisive win.
What was the final score of Super Bowl XXXI?
Green Bay defeated New England with a final score of 35-21. This margin ensured a dominant performance that silenced critics and celebrated a long-awaited return to glory.
Who won the MVP award for this Super Bowl?
Desmond Howard earned the Most Valuable Player honors as a Return Specialist during the contest. His contributions on special teams were pivotal in securing the championship trophy for Green Bay.
Why is Super Bowl XXXI significant to Packers history?
This victory ended a twenty-nine-year title drought that began after the 1967 season. It validated decades of patience among fans who had endured nearly three generations of heartbreak before this triumph.
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