Super Bowl XVII

Washington defeats Miami 27-17 in Pasadena with John Riggins earning MVP honors under coach Joe Gibbs.

In this matchup, the Washington Redskins faced the Miami Dolphins. The game concluded with a final score of 27-17, securing the victory for Washington. John Riggins was named the Most Valuable Player for his performance as a running back. Head Coach Joe Gibbs led the team to this championship, which stands as one of their key titles during the early 1980s.

Quick Facts

Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Winner: Washington Redskins
Opponent: Miami Dolphins
Final score: 27-17

Lore & Background

This contest was part of a sequence where the Washington Redskins made consecutive Super Bowl appearances, specifically appearing in both Super Bowls XVII and XVIII. While no franchise has ever won three titles in a row, several teams have achieved back-to-back victories. The Miami Dolphins are notable for having won consecutive championships in Super Bowls VII and VIII, capping off the only perfect season in NFL history with their first win. In contrast, Washington's victory in XVII marked a significant milestone in their franchise history under Gibbs, contributing to an era of sustained success that saw them secure multiple titles within a few years.

Reader's Guide

John Riggins was named MVP for his running back performance. Joe Gibbs served as the head coach for the winning team. This appearance counts as one of two consecutive Super Bowl appearances for Washington, placing them among twelve teams with at least two straight trips to the championship game.

Historical Context and League Structure

The contest was held in an American city, chosen three to four years beforehand, usually at warm-weather sites or domed stadiums. Since January 1971, the winner of the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game has faced the winner of the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game in the culmination of the NFL playoffs. The winner receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Team Streaks and Consecutive Appearances

The Washington Redskins are noted for appearing in two consecutive Super Bowls, specifically Super Bowls XVII and XVIII. Including this streak, 12 teams have at least two consecutive appearances. While no franchise has won three Super Bowls in a row, several have had eras of sustained success.

Championship Dominance and Perfect Seasons

Eight franchises have won consecutive Super Bowls. The Miami Dolphins capped off the only perfect season in NFL history with their victory in Super Bowl VII. Although no franchise to date has won three Super Bowls in a row, several have had eras of sustained success.

Venue Selection and Hosting Records

The contest is held in an American city, chosen three to four years beforehand, usually at warm-weather sites or domed stadiums. Only two franchises have ever won the Super Bowl while hosting at their home stadiums: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV and the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.