Super Bowl XXI

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Lore & Background

The game was tight in the first half, with the Broncos holding a 10–9 halftime lead, the narrowest margin in Super Bowl history. The only score in the second quarter, however, was Giants defensive end George Martin's sack of Elway in the end zone for a safety. This began the Giants’ run of scoring 26 unanswered points through the third and fourth quarters. Denver would counter with ten additional points toward the end of the game to narrow their margin of victory. The Giants also posted a Super Bowl record 30 points in the second half, and limited the Broncos to only 2 net yards in the third quarter. Simms, who was named the Super Bowl MVP, finished the game with 22 of 25 passes completed for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 25 rushing yards on 3 carries. His 22 out of 25 (88%) completion percentage broke both a Super Bowl and NFL postseason record.

In Their Own Story

The game began with Denver holding a slim 10–9 advantage at halftime, the narrowest margin in Super Bowl history. In the second quarter, Giants defensive end George Martin sacked quarterback John Elway in the end zone for a safety, shifting momentum decisively toward New York. From that moment, the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew" took control, limiting Denver to just 2 net yards in the third quarter while scoring 30 points in the second half. Although Denver added ten more points late to narrow the margin, the Giants' lead was insurmountable. Following the win, Simms became the first player to state he was "Going to Disneyworld," a tradition that began with this victory despite being filmed for later advertisement playback.

Reader's Guide

The telecast of the game on CBS was seen by an estimated 87.2 million viewers. The large national audience saw an early appearance of the now-traditional Gatorade shower, where players dump a cooler full of liquid over a coach's head following a meaningful win. The practice was first started by Giants players in 1985; it began to gain national attention during the 1986 season, when Parcells was doused after every win. Another tradition was set with the quarterback from the winning team stating after the game that he was 'Going to Disneyworld/Disneyland!'; although this version was made into an advertisement (featuring 'When You Wish Upon A Star' as its soundtrack) for later playback. Simms would be the first to say it live following the Giants win in Super Bowl XXI. Both he and Elway were each paid $75,000.

Did You Know?

• This was the Broncos' first Super Bowl appearance since the 1977 season.
• The Giants advanced to their first Super Bowl after posting a 14–2 regular season record and only allowing a combined total of 3 points in their two postseason wins.
• This loss kicked off the Broncos' run of Super Bowl futility with John Elway under center that decade.