Super Bowl XXXI: Green Bay Packers Triumph Over New England Patriots
Super Bowl XXXI served as the grand finale of the 1996 NFL season, pitting the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Green Bay Packers against the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots. Played on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, the game was more than just a championship match; it represented the resurgence of two storied franchises.
The Green Bay Packers entered the game as 14-point favorites, having dominated the regular season with a 13–3 record. The New England Patriots, boasting an 11–5 record, were in the midst of a turnaround under owner Robert Kraft. The contest ended in a 35–21 victory for the Packers, marking their third Super Bowl title and their twelfth NFL championship overall—their first since 1968. This victory also capped a historic streak of 13 consecutive Super Bowl wins for the NFC over the AFC.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21.
- MVP: Desmond Howard (Return Specialist), the first special teams player to win the award.
- Date and Venue: January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans.
- Historic Play: Desmond Howard recorded a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown.
- Record-Breaking Start: The teams combined for 24 first-quarter points, a Super Bowl record at the time.
The Road to New Orleans
Both teams had spent years climbing back to competitiveness. For Green Bay, the turning point arrived in 1992 with the arrival of head coach Mike Holmgren and quarterback Brett Favre. Favre entered the game as the reigning NFL MVP, having set an NFC record with 39 touchdown passes during the 1996 regular season.
The Patriots' ascent began in 1993 under head coach Bill Parcells and the drafting of quarterback Drew Bledsoe. New England's path to the championship included a dominant 28–3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, fueled by a standout performance from running back Curtis Martin.
Game Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
First Quarter Fireworks
The game opened with an explosive first quarter. While Green Bay struck first with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Favre to Andre Rison and a field goal, the Patriots responded aggressively. New England took a 14–10 lead after touchdowns by Keith Byars and Ben Coates. This made the Patriots the first team in Super Bowl history to score two touchdowns in the first quarter and still lose the game.
Green Bay Takes Control
The momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter. Brett Favre connected with Antonio Freeman for an 81-yard touchdown pass, which set a Super Bowl record at the time. The Packers' defense, led by safety LeRoy Butler, pressured Drew Bledsoe, while the offense added a field goal and a 2-yard touchdown run by Favre to extend the lead to 27–14.
The Howard Highlight
In the third quarter, the Patriots attempted a comeback, with Curtis Martin scoring an 18-yard rushing touchdown to bring the score to 27–21. However, the Packers responded immediately. On the ensuing kickoff, return specialist Desmond Howard sprinted 99 yards for a touchdown—the longest play in Super Bowl history at that time. A successful two-point conversion pass from Favre to Mark Chmura pushed the lead to 35–21, a score that held until the final whistle.
Statistical Breakdown
The Packers' efficiency and special teams play were the deciding factors. While Drew Bledsoe completed more passes (25) than Brett Favre (14), Bledsoe threw four interceptions, tying a Super Bowl record. Desmond Howard's impact was unprecedented; he gained 154 kickoff return yards and 90 punt return yards, totaling 244 combined net yards.
| Statistic | New England Patriots | Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 21 | 35 |
| Total Net Yards | 257 | 323 |
| Passing Yards | 214 | 208 |
| Rushing Yards | 43 | 115 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 25:45 | 34:15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXI?
Desmond Howard was named the MVP. He was the first special teams player in NFL history to receive the honor, largely due to his 99-yard kickoff return touchdown and 244 total return yards.
What record did Brett Favre set during the game?
Brett Favre threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Freeman, which was a Super Bowl record at the time. He also became the first Super Bowl-winning quarterback to record three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) without being named the MVP.
How many points were scored in the first quarter?
The two teams combined for 24 points in the first quarter, which was the most ever scored in the opening quarter of a Super Bowl up to that point.
Where was Super Bowl XXXI played?
The game was played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 26, 1997.
What was the significance of the Packers' win for the NFC?
The victory marked the end of a run of 13 straight Super Bowl victories by the National Football Conference (NFC) over the American Football Conference (AFC).