By Darin Christmas Day is for families, but in 1971, it belonged to the gridiron. On December 25th, the Miami Dolphins faced the Kansas City Chiefs in a high-stakes AFC Divisional Playoff clash at Municipal Stadium. What began as a festive rivalry quickly turned into a grueling, history-making test of endurance. After nearly 83 minutes of non-stop action, this game earned a legendary title: the longest game ever played in NFL history.
The Epic Battle in Kansas City
The Dolphins, coached by Don Shula, were a burgeoning powerhouse, while the Chiefs, led by Hank Stram, were reigning Super Bowl IV champions nearing the end of their dynasty. The game was a slugfest, characterized by spectacular individual performances. The Chiefs’ running back, Ed Podolak, delivered a career-defining effort, racking up an astonishing 350 all-purpose yards—a playoff record that stood for decades. The scoreboard reflected the tension, with the teams trading blows until regulation time expired with the score knotted at 24-24.
Article from Dec 26, 1971 Palladium-Item (Richmond, Indiana)
Into the Uncharted: Double Overtime
What followed was a pressure cooker of missed opportunities and bone-jarring hits. The first overtime period was defined by exhaustion and defensive tenacity. Both teams drove into field goal range, but missed attempts by both Kansas City’s Jan Stenerud and Miami’s Garo Yepremian kept the deadlock unbroken. When the 15-minute period concluded without a score, the teams ventured into uncharted territory: the second overtime.
This was the first time in league history that an NFL contest had entered a second overtime period. The physical toll was visible, but the competitive fire remained fierce. The drama was finally resolved 7 minutes and 40 seconds into the second extra session.
The Kick that Sealed a Dynasty
Following a key drive by the Dolphins, Miami’s Garo Yepremian, determined to redeem his earlier miss, lined up for a 37-yard field goal attempt. This time, the kick sailed true. The Miami Dolphins secured the 27-24 victory, ending the marathon at an official game time of 82 minutes and 40 seconds.
The win was more than just a notch in the column; it served as a launchpad for the Dolphins, propelling them toward their 1970s dynasty, including their perfect 1972 season. For the Chiefs, it marked the bittersweet end of one of the greatest eras in franchise history.
A Lasting Legacy
The 1971 Christmas Day AFC Divisional game remains a benchmark for playoff drama and physical fortitude. It is a moment forever etched into NFL Christmas history, reminding fans that sometimes the greatest gifts are not found under the tree, but on the frozen turf, battling through double overtime on a cold December 25
