Super Bowl IV vs Minnesota Vikings
The AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the NFL champion Minnesota Vikings 23–7 in Super Bowl IV.
Super Bowl IV was an American football game played on January 11, 1970, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was the fourth and final AFL–NFL World Championship Game in professional football prior to the AFL–NFL merger taking effect the following season. The American Football League (AFL) champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the National Football League (NFL) champion Minnesota Vikings by the score of 23–7. This victory by the AFL squared the Super Bowl series with the NFL at two games apiece as the two leagues merged after the game. This was the first major professional sports championship won by a Kansas City-based team.
Quick Facts
- Final score
- Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
- Venue
- Tulane Stadium, New Orleans
- Date
- January 11, 1970
- Defensive standout
- Buck Buchanan (Defensive Tackle)
- Significance
- Second AFL team to win Super Bowl
Lore & Background
Despite the AFL's New York Jets winning the previous season's Super Bowl, many sports writers and fans thought it was a fluke and continued to believe that the NFL was still superior to the AFL, and thus fully expected the Vikings to defeat the Chiefs; the Vikings entered the Super Bowl as 13½ point favorites. The Vikings posted a 12–2 record in 1969, then defeated the Los Angeles Rams 23–20 for the Western Conference title, and the Cleveland Browns 27–7 in the NFL Championship Game.
The Chiefs, who previously appeared in the first Super Bowl, finished the regular season at 11–3; they continued with two road wins in the AFL playoffs, dethroning the New York Jets 13–6, and then taking down division rival Oakland Raiders 17–7 in the final AFL title game. Under wet conditions, the Chiefs defense dominated Super Bowl IV by limiting the Vikings' offense to only 67 rushing yards, forcing three interceptions, and recovering two fumbles.
The Chiefs' 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 one interception. Dawson also recorded three rushing attempts for 11 yards.
Reader's Guide
Super Bowl IV is also notable for NFL Films miking up the Chiefs' Hank Stram during the game, the first time that a head coach had worn a microphone during a Super Bowl. The Chiefs would not win or appear in another Super Bowl until Super Bowl LIV in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Super Bowl IV?
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings with a decisive final score of 23 to 7. This victory cemented their status as champions on January 11, 1970.
Who was named the Most Valuable Player?
Quarterback Len Dawson earned the Most Valuable Player award after leading his team to victory against the heavily favored Vikings. His performance highlighted the Chiefs' offensive dominance throughout the game.
Which defensive player stood out during the game?
Defensive tackle Buck Buchanan was a major force on the line during the championship game. His efforts helped stifle the Vikings' offense and secure the win for Kansas City.
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