Packers: Vince Lombardi (coach), Herb Adderley, Willie Davis, Forrest Gregg, Paul Hornung, Henry Jordan, Jerry Kramer, Ray Nitschke, Dave Robinson, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Willie WoodCeremoniesNational anthemThe marching bands from the University of Arizona and the University of Michigan[4]Coin tossNorm SchachterHalftime showAl Hirt, and the marching bands from the University of Arizona and Grambling State University[5]TV in the United StatesNetworkCBS and NBCAnnouncersCBS: Ray Scott, Jack Whitaker and Frank Gifford
NBC: Curt Gowdy
and Paul ChristmanNielsen ratingsCBS: 22.6
(est. 26.75 million viewers)[6]
NBC: 18.5
(est. 24.43 million viewers)[6]
(Total: 51.18 million viewers)[6]Market shareCBS: 43
NBC: 36 (Total: 79)[6]Cost of 30-second commercial$42,000 (Both CBS and NBC)
- Super Bowl
- II →
The first AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, known retroactively as Super Bowl I and referred to in some contemporaneous reports, including the game’s radio broadcast, as the Super Bowl,[7] was played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The National Football League (NFL) champion Green Bay Packers defeated the American Football League (AFL) champion Kansas City Chiefs by the score of 35–10.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum served as a historic backdrop for the first Super Bowl. Known for its distinctive architecture, it was an iconic venue, having hosted two Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984. The stadium’s grand scale and open-air design provided ample seating for fans while also creating logistical challenges for television broadcasters and event organizers. Hosting the Super Bowl at this location helped boost the game’s prestige and visibility, anchoring it firmly in American cultural history.
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The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum holds a special place in the annals of American sports history. Beyond its role in major sporting events, it has served as a multi-use stadium for various professional teams, including the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and the Raiders. Its architectural design includes the iconic peristyle, which has become a recognizable symbol associated with the stadium. The decision to hold Super Bowl I at the Coliseum underscored its status as a premier venue capable of handling the logistical demands of such a significant event.
The Coliseum’s strategic location in Los Angeles made it an ideal choice for hosting large-scale events. Its dual purpose for athletics and entertainment positioned it at the intersection of sports and culture in the mid-20th century. Hosting the first Super Bowl highlighted the Coliseum’s role in bridging the gap between traditional college bowl games and the professional championship level, reflecting on its legacy as a versatile and historic American venue.
The Packers and the Chiefs in the first AFL–NFL Championship Game (Super Bowl I)Coming into this game, considerable animosity existed between the AFL and NFL, thus the teams representing the two rival leagues (Kansas City and Green Bay, respectively) felt pressure to win. The Chiefs posted an 11–2–1 record during the 1966 AFL season, and defeated the Buffalo Bills 31–7, in the AFL Championship Game. The Packers finished the 1966 NFL season at 12–2, and defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34–27 in the NFL Championship Game. Still, many sports writers and fans believed any team in the older NFL was vastly superior to any club in the upstart AFL, and so expected Green Bay would blow out Kansas City.[8][9]
The fierce AFL-NFL rivalry played a major role in the buildup to Super Bowl I. Prior to the merger, both leagues battled over players and television rights, contributing to the tense atmosphere. The AFL was seen by some as an underdog league challenging the older, more established NFL. This rivalry fostered a competitive spirit that heightened the stakes of the championship game, urging both leagues to prove their superiority on the field.
The rivalry between the AFL and NFL extended beyond the football field. It was fueled by competitive battles for star players, sponsorships, and media coverage. While the NFL had a long-established fan base and a legacy of traditional football, the AFL brought fresh ideas and innovations, attracting a younger audience. The tension culminated in high-stakes negotiations that led to the eventual merger, transforming the landscape of American professional football by creating a unified league that capitalized on the strengths of both organizations. This rivalry set the stage for future developments in the sport, including changes in playing style and league expansion.
The AFL’s innovation extended to rule changes that influenced the game’s pace and excitement, such as the introduction of a two-point conversion rule, which was later adopted by the NFL. This spirit of innovation not only made the AFL games more thrilling but also attracted players who thrived under a more engaging playstyle. The rivalry between the two leagues fostered creativity in team management and game strategy, ultimately benefiting the combined league’s popularity and growth post-merger.
The first half of Super Bowl I was competitive, as the Chiefs outgained the Packers in total yards, 181–164, to come within 14–10 at halftime. Early in the third quarter, Green Bay safety Willie Wood intercepted a pass and returned it fifty yards to the five-yard line.[10][11][12] The turnover sparked the Packers to score 21 unanswered points in the second half. Green Bay quarterback Bart Starr, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, with 1 interception, was named MVP.
Bart Starr and Len Dawson led their teams with remarkable skill and composure. Starr, with his precise passing and strategic mindset, orchestrated the Packers’ offense with veteran poise. His performance earned him the game’s MVP honors, completing 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards. Len Dawson, on the other hand, showcased resilience and adaptability as the Chiefs’ quarterback. Despite facing a tough Packers defense, he managed to make key plays that kept the Chiefs competitive in the first half. Notable moments include Starr’s connection with Max McGee for important touchdowns and Wood’s interception that shifted momentum.
Max McGee, who played a key role in the Packers’ victory, was a standout performer despite entering the game as a substitute. His unexpected offensive contributions, including two significant touchdowns, demonstrated veteran savvy and ability to seize the moment. Jim Taylor, another key player, demonstrated powerful running skills that epitomized the Packers’ ground game under Vince Lombardi’s leadership. Taylor’s efforts helped the Packers control the tempo of the game, showcasing the effectiveness of their strategic plays like the “Power Sweep.”
It remains the only Super Bowl to have been simulcast in the United States by two networks. NBC had the rights to nationally televise AFL games, while CBS held the rights to broadcast NFL games; both networks were allowed to televise the game.[13] The first Super Bowl’s entertainment consisted of college marching bands from the University of Arizona and Grambling State University, instead of featuring popular singers and musicians as in later Super Bowls.
Contents
- 1 Background
- 1.1 Origins
- 1.2 Kansas City Chiefs
- 1.3 Green Bay Packers
- 1.4 Super Bowl pregame news and notes
- 2 Weather
- 3 Television
- 3.1 Simulcast
- 3.2 Game footage
- 4 Ceremonies and entertainment
- 5 Game summary
- 5.1 First quarter
- 5.2 Second quarter
- 5.3 Third quarter
- 5.4 Fourth quarter
- 5.5 Box score
- 6 Final statistics
- 6.1 Statistical comparison
- 6.2 Individual leaders
- 6.3 Records established
- 7 Starting lineups
- 8 Officials
- 9 See also
- 10 References
- 11 External links
Background[edit]
Origins[edit]
Main article: AFL–NFL mergerWhen the NFL began its fortieth season in 1960, it had a new and unwanted rival: the American Football League. The NFL had successfully fended off several other rival leagues in the past, and so the older league initially ignored the new upstart and its eight teams, figuring it would be made up of nothing but NFL rejects, and that fans were unlikely to prefer it to the NFL. But unlike the NFL’s prior rivals, the AFL survived and prospered, in part by signing “NFL rejects” who turned out to be highly talented players the older league had badly misjudged. Soon the NFL and AFL found themselves locked in a massive bidding war for the top free agents and prospects coming out of college. Originally, there was a tacit agreement between the two not to raid each other by signing players who were already under contract with a team from an opposing league. This policy broke down in early 1966 when the NFL’s New York Giants signed Pete Gogolak, a placekicker who was under contract with the AFL’s Buffalo Bills. The AFL owners considered this an “act of war” and immediately struck back, signing several contracted NFL players, including eight of their top quarterbacks.[citation needed]
Eventually the NFL had enough and started negotiations with the AFL in an attempt to resolve the issue. As a result of the negotiations, the leagues signed a merger agreement on June 9, 1966. Among the details, both leagues agreed to share a common draft in order to end the bidding war for the top college players, as well as merge into a single league after the 1969 season. In addition, an “AFL-NFL World Championship Game” was established, in which the AFL and NFL champions would play against each other in a game at the end of the season to determine which league had the best team.[14]
Super Bowl I – Los Angeles ColiseumLos Angeles was not awarded the game until December 1, less than seven weeks prior to the kickoff;[15] likewise, the date of the game was not set until December 13.[13] Since the AFL Championship Game originally was scheduled for Monday, December 26, and the NFL Championship Game for Sunday, January 1 (the reverse of the situation following the 1960 season), the “new” championship game was suggested to be played Sunday, January 8. Eventually, an unprecedented TV doubleheader was held on January 1, with the AFL Championship Game telecast from Buffalo starting at 1 p.m. EST on NBC and the NFL Championship Game telecast from Dallas starting at 4 p.m. EST (3 p.m. CST) on CBS.[13]
Coming into this “first” game, considerable animosity still existed between the two rival leagues, with both of them putting pressure on their respective champions to trounce the other and prove each league’s dominance in professional football. Still, many sports writers and fans believed the game was a mismatch, and any team from the long-established NFL was far superior to the best team from the upstart AFL. The Green Bay Packers played the Kansas City Chiefs, with the Packers winning 35–10.[16]
The players’ shares were $15,000 each for the winning team and $7,500 each for the losing team.[17] This was in addition to the league championship money earned two weeks earlier: the Packers shares were $8,600 each,[18] and the Chiefs were $5,308 each.[19][20]
Kansas City Chiefs[edit]
Main article: 1966 Kansas City Chiefs seasonThe Chiefs entered the game after recording an 11–2–1 mark during the regular season. In the AFL championship game, they defeated the Buffalo Bills 31–7.
Kansas City’s high-powered offense led the AFL in points scored (448) and total rushing yards (2,274). Their trio of running backs, Mike Garrett (801 yards), Bert Coan (521 yards), and Curtis McClinton (540 yards) all ranked among the top-ten rushers in the AFL. Quarterback Len Dawson was the top-rated passer in the AFL, completing 159 of 284 (56%) of his passes for 2,527 yards and 26 touchdowns. Wide receiver Otis Taylor provided the team with a great deep threat by recording 58 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. Receiver Chris Burford added 58 receptions for 758 yards and eight touchdowns, and tight end Fred Arbanas, who had 22 catches for 305 yards and four touchdowns, was one of six Chiefs offensive players who were named to the All-AFL team.
The Chiefs also had a strong defense, with All-AFL players Jerry Mays and Buck Buchanan anchoring their line. Linebacker Bobby Bell, who was also named to the All-AFL team, was great at run stopping and pass coverage. The strongest part of their defense, though, was their secondary, led by All-AFL safeties Johnny Robinson and Bobby Hunt, who each recorded 10 interceptions, and defensive back Fred Williamson, who recorded four. Their head coach was Hank Stram.[21]
Green Bay Packers[edit]
Main article: 1966 Green Bay Packers seasonThe Packers were an NFL dynasty, turning around what had been a losing team just eight years earlier. The team had posted an NFL-worst 1–10–1 record in 1958 before legendary head coach Vince Lombardi was hired in January 1959. “Their offense was like a conga dance,” one sportswriter quipped. “1, 2, 3 and kick.”[22]
Lombardi was determined to build a winning team. During the preseason, he signed Fred “Fuzzy” Thurston, who had been cut from three other teams, but ended up becoming an All-Pro left guard for Green Bay. In addition Lombardi also made a big trade with the Cleveland Browns that brought three players to the team who would become cornerstones of the defense: linemen Henry Jordan, Willie Davis, and Bill Quinlan.
Lombardi’s hard work paid off, and the Packers improved to a 7–5 regular season record in 1959. They surprised the league during the following year by making it all the way to the 1960 NFL Championship Game. Although the Packers lost 17–13 to the Philadelphia Eagles, they had sent a clear message that they were no longer losers. Green Bay went on to win NFL Championships in 1961, 1962, 1965, and 1966.
Packers veteran quarterback Bart Starr was the top-rated quarterback in the NFL for 1966, and won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award, completing 156 of 251 (62.2%) passes for 2257 yards (9.0 per attempt), 14 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. His top targets were wide receivers Boyd Dowler and Carroll Dale, who combined for 63 receptions for 1,336 yards. Fullback Jim Taylor was the team’s top rusher with 705 yards, adding 4 touchdowns, and caught 41 passes for 331 yards and 2 touchdowns. (Before the season, Taylor had informed the team that instead of returning to the Packers in 1967, he would become a free agent and sign with the expansion New Orleans Saints. Lombardi, infuriated at what he considered to be Taylor’s disloyalty, refused to speak to Taylor the entire season.)[23] The team’s starting halfback, Paul Hornung, was injured early in the season, but running back Elijah Pitts, a replacement, gained 857 all purpose yards. The Packers’ offensive line was also a big reason for the team’s success, led by All-Pro guards Jerry Kramer, and Fuzzy Thurston, and tackle Forrest Gregg.
Green Bay also had an excellent defense that displayed their talent in the NFL championship game, stopping the Dallas Cowboys on four consecutive plays starting from the Packers 2-yard line on the final drive to win the game. Lionel Aldridge had replaced Quinlan, but Jordan and Davis still anchored the defensive line; linebacker Ray Nitschke excelled at run stopping and pass coverage, while the secondary was led by defensive backs Herb Adderley and Willie Wood. Wood was another example of how Lombardi found talent in players that nobody else could see. Wood had been a quarterback in college and was not drafted by an NFL team. When Wood joined the Packers in 1960, he was converted to a free safety, and went on to make the All-Pro team 9 times in his 12-year career.[24]
Super Bowl pregame news and notes[edit]
Many people considered it fitting that the Chiefs and the Packers would be the teams to play in the first ever AFL-NFL World Championship Game. Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt had founded the AFL, while Green Bay was widely considered one of the better teams in NFL history (even if they could not claim to be founding members of their own league, as the Packers joined the NFL in 1921, a year after the league’s formation). Lombardi was under intense pressure from the entire NFL to make sure the Packers not only won the game, but preferably won big to demonstrate the superiority of the NFL. CBS announcer Frank Gifford, who interviewed Lombardi prior to the game, said Lombardi was so nervous, “he held onto my arm and he was shaking like a leaf. It was incredible.”[25] The Chiefs saw this game as an opportunity to show they were good enough to play against any NFL team. One player who was really looking forward to competing in this game was Len Dawson, who had spent three years as a backup in the NFL before joining the Chiefs. However, the Chiefs were also nervous. Linebacker E. J. Holub said, “the Chiefs were scared to death. Guys in the tunnel were throwing up.”[14][25]
In the week prior to the game, Chiefs cornerback Fred “The Hammer” Williamson garnered considerable publicity by boasting he would use his “hammer” – forearm blows to the head – to destroy the Packers’ receivers, stating, “Two hammers to (Boyd) Dowler, one to (Carroll) Dale should be enough.”[26] His prediction turned out to be partially correct as Dowler was knocked out of the game early in the first quarter (although it was because of an exacerbation of an injury he had previously received during the NFL Championship game in Dallas on January 1). However, Willamson himself was knocked out cold and carried off the field on a stretcher near the end of the game.[27]
The two teams played with their respective footballs from each league; the Chiefs used the AFL ball, the slightly narrower and longer J5V by Spalding, and the Packers played with the NFL ball, “The Duke” by Wilson.[5]
The AFL’s two-point conversion rule was not in force; the NFL added the two-point conversion in 1994 and it was first used in the Super Bowl that same season, Super Bowl XXIX in January 1995.[28]
This is also the only Super Bowl where the numeric yard markers were 5 yards apart, rather than 10 as is customary today.[29]
Justin Peters of Slate watched all the Super Bowls over a two-month period in 2015 before Super Bowl 50. He mentioned about the first Super Bowl having “two dudes in rocket packs who flew around the stadium. I can forgive a lot of bad football as long as the game features two dudes in honest-to-God rocket packs.”[30]
Weather[edit]
The game was played in an outdoor stadium. The temperature was mild with clear skies.[31]
Television[edit]
Simulcast[edit]
This game is the only Super Bowl to have been broadcast in the United States by two television networks simultaneously (no other NFL game was subsequently carried nationally on more than one network until December 29, 2007, when the New England Patriots faced the New York Giants on NBC, CBS, and the NFL Network). At the time, NBC held the rights to nationally televise AFL games while CBS had the rights to broadcast NFL games. Both networks were allowed to cover the game. During the week, tensions flared between the staffs of the two networks (longtime arch-rivals in American broadcasting), who each wanted to win the ratings war, to the point where a fence was built between the CBS and NBC trucks.[32]
Each network used its own announcers: Ray Scott (doing play-by-play for the first half), Jack Whitaker (doing play-by-play for the second half) and Frank Gifford provided commentary on CBS, while Curt Gowdy and Paul Christman were on NBC.[33] While Rozelle allowed NBC to telecast the game, he decreed it would not be able to use its cameramen and technical personnel, instead forcing it to use the feed provided by CBS,[34] since the Coliseum was home to the NFL’s Rams.
Super Bowl I marked a milestone in sports broadcasting. CBS and NBC jointly aired the game, a unique arrangement that highlighted the complexities of live sports coverage. This simulcast required technical adjustments, as equipment from both networks shared space within the Coliseum. Innovations in camera technology and on-screen graphics improved viewers’ experience, setting a standard for future broadcasts. This joint effort demonstrated the growing importance of television in sports, paving the way for the massive broadcasting rights deals seen in today’s NFL.
The collaboration between CBS and NBC for the broadcast of Super Bowl I not only required technical coordination but also brought about important lessons in live event coverage. With both networks striving for excellence, innovations such as instant replays and improved camera angles were explored, enhancing the viewer experience. These early trials in broadcast technology laid a foundation for techniques still in use today, such as high-definition feeds and multiple camera angles that provide audiences with comprehensive coverage of the action.
Super Bowl I remains a notable exception in the history of the event, being the only Super Bowl broadcast by two of the “Big Three” networks