Super Bowl XI

Lore & Background

This was the Raiders' second Super Bowl appearance after losing Super Bowl II. They posted a 13–1 regular season record before defeating the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. The Vikings and their Purple People Eaters defense were making their fourth Super Bowl appearance after posting an 11–2–1 regular season record and playoff victories over the Washington Redskins and the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings became the first team to lose four Super Bowls.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Super Bowl XI is grounded in the franchise's broader history from 1960 to 2023. The source states that the Raiders won one AFL championship and three Super Bowl titles during this span. While specific play-by-play details like individual touchdowns or player reactions are not included in the source, the historical record confirms that this game was a turning point where the team overcame their previous loss in Super Bowl II to claim victory. This win contributed to the franchise's total of three Super Bowl championships, distinguishing them from other teams with fewer titles but similar appearance counts.

Reader's Guide

Super Bowl XI was dominated by the Raiders. Oakland gained a Super Bowl record 429 yards, including a Super Bowl record 288 yards in the first half. After a scoreless first quarter, Oakland scored on three consecutive possessions to take a 16–0 lead at halftime. The Raiders also had two fourth quarter interceptions, including cornerback Willie Brown's 75-yard return for a touchdown. Oakland wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, who had 4 catches for 79 yards which set up three Raider touchdowns, was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Did You Know?

• This remains the earliest scheduled calendar date for a Super Bowl; and the most recent Super Bowl to begin before 4:00 P.M. ET.
• This was the first Super Bowl since Super Bowl VI in which neither team had appeared in the previous Super Bowl.
• Among the wide receivers who have won the Super Bowl MVP, Biletnikoff was the only one to not have gained 100 yards in his performance until Cooper Kupp in Super Bowl LVI.