Super Bowl X

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).

In Their Own Story

Coming into Super Bowl X, most expected Swann would not play after suffering a severe concussion in the AFC Championship Game that forced him to spend two days in a hospital. Dallas safety Cliff Harris said, 'I'm not going to hurt anyone intentionally. But getting hit again while he's running a pass route must be in the back of Swann's mind.' Swann responded, 'I'm still not 100 percent. I value my health, but I've had no dizzy spells. I read what Harris said. He was trying to intimidate me. He said I'd be afraid out there. He needn't worry. He doesn't know Lynn Swann. He can't scare me or the team.' Swann played and caught four passes for a Super Bowl record 161 yards and one touchdown, becoming the first wide receiver named Super Bowl MVP. The Steelers trailed 7–10 after a scoreless third quarter but rallied to score 14 unanswered points, including a 64-yard touchdown reception by Swann. Dallas wide receiver Percy Howard's 34-yard touchdown late in the game pulled the Cowboys within four points at 21–17, but Pittsburgh safety Glen Edwards halted Dallas' rally with an end zone interception as time expired.

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.

Did You Know?

• Lynn Swann became the first wide receiver to be named Super Bowl MVP.
• Super Bowl X was the first Super Bowl in which both teams had previous Super Bowl titles.
• 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.
• Both the pre-game and halftime show celebrated the United States Bicentennial, and players wore special patches with the Bicentennial logo.