By Darin The date was December 31, 1967. The stage was Lambeau Field. The temperature was an impossible -15°F, plunging the 1967 NFL Championship into mythology—this was not just a game, it was “The Ice Bowl.” Two dynasties, the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, faced off in a brutal, unforgettable battle for the right to play in Super Bowl II.
The game started as a masterclass from Green Bay, led by Bart Starr. The Hall of Fame quarterback quickly connected with wide receiver Boyd Dowler for two first-half touchdowns—an 8-yard strike and a 46-yard deep bomb—giving the Packers an early 14-0 lead. It seemed the frigid conditions wouldn’t stop Vince Lombardi’s machine.
Article from Jan 1, 1968 The Morning Union (Springfield, Massachusetts)
However, the resilient Cowboys quickly shifted the momentum. Dallas answered first with one of the most unexpected scores in championship history: a 7-yard defensive fumble return touchdown by defensive end George Andrie. Kicker Danny Villanueva added a field goal later in the half, closing the gap to 14-10 before the teams retreated to the warmth (or lack thereof) of their locker rooms.
The dramatic swing continued into the fourth quarter when the Cowboys pulled ahead. A stunning 50-yard touchdown pass from halfback Dan Reeves to Lance Rentzel put Dallas up 17-14, silencing the frozen faithful. The Packers, needing a miracle drive, began one of the most famous two-minute drills in football history.
Working from their own territory, Starr orchestrated a methodical advance down the ice-slicked field against the clock. The drive culminated in the legendary final play. With 16 seconds remaining and no timeouts left, Starr followed center Ken Bowman and guard Jerry Kramer on a quarterback sneak that punched the ball across the goal line for a 1-yard touchdown. The score, followed by the successful Don Chandler kick, secured the 21-17 victory and the Packers’ third consecutive NFL title. The Ice Bowl remains the quintessential example of determination overcoming impossible circumstances.
Article from Jan 1, 1968 The Morning Union (Springfield, Massachusetts)
