By Darin The 1966 NFL season marked the end of one era and the thrilling prelude to another. On the line for the contenders in the NFL Championship was more than just a league title—it was the inaugural ticket to the new, history-making championship game known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game (later to be called the Super Bowl) On January 1, 1967, two titans—the established Green Bay Packers and the rapidly rising Dallas Cowboys—met in a high-stakes clash that would forever etch the winner into football lore as the first NFL representative on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Pivotal 1966 NFL Championship Game
The anticipation surrounding the 1966 NFL Championship Game was immense. The Green Bay Packers, led by the iconic Vince Lombardi, were looking to cement their status as the league’s dominant dynasty. Across the field stood the young, hungry Dallas Cowboys, guided by the tactical genius of coach Tom Landry, making their first-ever appearance in a title game.
Played on New Year’s Day, 1967, the game was a classic, hard-fought affair, demonstrating the high level of competition within the NFL. While the Cowboys showed immense promise and put up a valiant effort, the veteran leadership and championship experience of the Packers proved to be the deciding factor.
Article from Jan 2, 1967 The Montana Standard (Butte, Montana)
In the end, it was the Green Bay Packers who clinched the victory, securing the 1966 NFL Championship title. This victory was significant not only for adding another trophy to their cabinet but, crucially, for earning them the historic right to represent the National Football League in the upcoming AFL-NFL Championship Game—a game now universally recognized as Super Bowl I. The win provided the perfect capstone to an incredible season and set the stage for one of the most important professional football matchups ever played.
Conclusion
The 1966 NFL Championship game serves as a pivotal moment in the merging history of two rival leagues. By defeating the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers didn’t just win a title; they became the NFL’s first standard-bearer in the new Super Bowl era, establishing a legacy that would resonate for decades. This contest remains a critical touchstone, marking the final major championship decided solely by the NFL before the league stepped onto the grand, unified stage of the Super Bowl.
