Super Bowl IV
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.
- Date
- January 11, 1970
- Opponent
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Final Score
- Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
- Head Coach
- Bud Grant
- Location
- Tulane Stadium, New Orleans
- Game MVP
- Len Dawson (Chiefs)
Lore & Background
The Minnesota Vikings, led by head coach Bud Grant, entered the game with an NFL best 12–2 regular season record. Their defense was anchored by a defensive line nicknamed the 'Purple People Eaters,' consisting of defensive tackles Gary Larsen and Alan Page, and defensive ends Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. Quarterback Joe Kapp was known for his superb leadership and running ability. Running back Dave Osborn was the team's top rusher with 643 yards and seven touchdowns.
In Their Own Story
The cold wind whipped across Tulane Stadium, but inside the Vikings' locker room, the air was thick with silence. Fran Tarkenton stared at his helmet, the gold paint reflecting the dim lights. He knew they had fought hard all season, yet Kansas City's speed had been too much to handle. Bud Grant stood by the door, stoic as always, knowing this pain would temper them for the battles ahead.
Reader's Guide
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.
Did You Know?
- Super Bowl IV is 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 Vikings entered the Super Bowl as 13½ point favorites.
- This was the first major professional sports championship won by a Kansas City-based team.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Minnesota Vikings universe
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