Super Bowl X
The Steelers defeat the Cowboys 21–17 to win consecutive Super Bowls, with Lynn Swann becoming the first wide receiver named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl X was an American football game between the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys and the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the NFL champion for the 1975 season. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 21–17 on January 18, 1976, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. This victory made the Steelers the third franchise to win consecutive Super Bowls, joining the Miami Dolphins (VII, VIII) and Green Bay Packers (I, II). It was also the first Super Bowl in which both teams had previous Super Bowl titles, as the Steelers were the defending champions and the Cowboys had won four years earlier.
Quick Facts
- Visitor
- Dallas Cowboys
- Home
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Visitor coach
- Tom Landry
- Visitor record
- 10–4
- Visitor place
- 4
- Home coach
- Chuck Noll
- Home record
- 12–2
- Home place
- 1
Lore & Background
The Steelers finished the regular season with a league-best 12–2 record, dominating opponents with their 'Steel Curtain' defense and powerful running game. Fullback Franco Harris ranked second in the league with 1,246 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw for 2,055 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Wide receiver Lynn Swann caught a team-leading 49 passes for 781 yards and 11 touchdowns. The defense sent eight of its 11 starters to the Pro Bowl, including Joe Greene, L. C. Greenwood, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Andy Russell, Mel Blount, Glen Edwards, and Mike Wagner. Blount led the league with 11 interceptions and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In the AFC playoffs, Pittsburgh committed 12 turnovers but allowed only 20 total points in wins over the Baltimore Colts (28–10) and Oakland Raiders (16–10).
Reader's Guide
Super Bowl X was the first Super Bowl in which both teams had previous Super Bowl titles. The Steelers became the third franchise to win consecutive Super Bowls. This was one of the first major national events of the United States Bicentennial year; both the pre-game and halftime show celebrated the Bicentennial, and players on both teams wore special patches on their jerseys with the Bicentennial logo. The Steelers were the first official #1 seed to reach the Super Bowl, as playoff seeds were instituted in 1975. Super Bowl X was the final NFL officiating assignment for veteran referee Norm Schachter, who also served as referee for Super Bowl I and Super Bowl V.
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