By Darin What do the New Orleans Saints’ first-ever championship and Von Miller’s defensive masterclass in Super Bowl 50 have in common? They both happened on February 7th. This date serves as a monumental bookmark in NFL history, capturing the pinnacle of Drew Brees’ legendary career and the final championship ride of Peyton Manning. Beyond the Lombardi Trophies, February 7th is a day defined by elite performance, from the Pro Bowl dominance of Bruce Smith and Steve Tasker to the birth of trailblazing Hall of Famers like Robert Brazile and Maxwell Trophy winner Ron Beagle. Dive into the archives to relive the halftime adjustments and defensive stands that turned February 7th into a day of gridiron destiny.
Football History Timeline of February 7
- February 7, 1988 – Aloha Stadium, Honolulu – We start today’s headlines at the NFL Pro Bowl as the American Football Conference outlasted the National Football Conference by the score of 15-6. The top star in this contest was Buffalo Bills Defensive End Bruce Smith, who took home the MVP award.
- February 7, 1993, the Pro Bowl for the NFL’s 1992 season was also played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. This time, it was the AFC who triumphed, edging out the NFC by 23-20. The game’s Most Valuable Player was Steve Tasker, the wide receiver of the Buffalo Bills.
- February 7, 1999 – Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii – The AFC East Division had once again taken the honor of the Pro Bowl MVP award as both the New York Jets Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Ty Law the cornerback of the New England Patriots were selected for their fine play in the game. The final score of this all-star contest was the AFC knocking off the NFC squad 23-10 in the 1998 NFL Pro Bowl.
- February 7, 2010 – Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Miami, Florida – Super Bowl XLIV was a matchup of all-time great quarterbacks as Peyton Manning and his Indianapolis Colts faced the New Orleans Saints and their most excellent signal caller, Drew Brees. The game started with the Colts storming out to an early 10-0 run to go up by double digits, but two second-quarter field goals cut the margin to a four point game at the half. Saints head Coach Sean Payton then made some major halftime adjustments, outmaneuvering those of Colts sideline boss Jim Caldwell. New Orleans decimated the Indy defense, and all kept Manning and company from scoring a single point in the game’s back half, with 25 unanswered tallies. It led to the New Orleans Saints’ first NFL title as they rolled the Indianapolis Colts, 31-17. The Super Bowl XLIV MVP was Drew Brees, who threw for 2 touchdowns and 288 yards, according to the PFR.
- February 7, 2016 – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California – Peyton Manning again led a team to the NFL Championship, now with the Denver Broncos, as they faced Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl L. The game may have been less about these two outstanding QBs and more about the Broncos’ defensive player who won the MVP. Denver linebacker Von Miller made life miserable for Mr. Newton all game as the two fumbles that Von created turned into 14 points for the Mile High team; in fact, it was the exact point differential in the game. The Denver Broncos outscored the Carolina Panthers, 24–10, to seal another Lombardi in glass for the franchise. The Broncos D forced Newton into a dismal 18-for-41 passing performance with an interception. The Panthers, meanwhile, made Peyton Manning look quite pedestrian, as he was 13 of 23 for 141 yards and a pick. Defense does win championships, and this time Denver’s defense did more than enough to lock up the title. (source)
February 7 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Banks McFadden
- Paul Cleary
- Cal Jones
- Ron Beagle
- Robert Brazile
Conclusion
From the “Who Dat” celebration in Miami to the orange-and-blue defensive clinic in Santa Clara, February 7 remains one of the most high-stakes dates in the football calendar. It is a day that rewards bold strategy—like Sean Payton’s halftime shift in Super Bowl XLIV—and relentless effort, embodied by the Hall of Fame careers of Robert Brazile and Cal Jones. Whether honoring the multi-sport brilliance of Banks McFadden or the unique historical link between Navy legends Beagle and Staubach, this date reminds us that football greatness is built on a foundation of both strategic genius and raw, physical dominance. As we reflect on these championships and birthdays, the legacy of February 7th continues to shine in the trophy cases of New Orleans, Denver, and Canton.
