Super Bowls played at the Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl is not just for the annual New Years' Game. Five NFL Super Bowl Games have been decided there as well.  Historian Chris Willis of NFL Films, and author of numerous books of pro football history including his latest, Bronko: The Legendary Story of the NFL's Greatest Two-Way Fullback

The venue in Pasadena not only serves as the home field for the UCLA Bruins and an annual Tournament of Roses football Bowl game, but it has also been the place where five Super Bowl games have been played. Author Chris Willis details each in the podcast above, but here is a list of the five NFL Title games in the modern era.

Super Bowl XI in 1977:

This game was played on January 9, 1977, the earliest calendar date of any Super Bowl. The Oakland Raiders beat the Minnesota Vikings 32–14. It was the first NFL title for the Raiders franchise and John Madden’s only title. Raider wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, with four catches for 79 yards that set up three Raider touchdowns, was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. 

Super Bowl XIV in 1980:

The LA Rams did not have to travel far for this Big Game when they played the defending champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was a close game throughout in a see-saw contest. Despite throwing three interceptions, Bradshaw was named Super Bowl MVP by completing 14 of his 21 passes, gaining 309 yards, and producing two touchdowns. Steelers won 31-19.

Super Bowl XVII in 1983:

Another LA team played in Pasadena; this time, the Los Angeles Raiders won a second title in the Rose Bowl Stadium. Their opponents were the Washington Redskins. Game MVP Marcus Allen of LA went wild in a historic Super Bowl performance. The former Heisman winner ran the ball 20 times for a total of 191 yards and two touchdowns. The big play was a 74-yard sprint to the end zone in the third quarter. Allen also caught two passes for 18 yards in the Raiders' blow-out victory 38-9 over Washington. 

Super Bowl XXI in 1987:

The New York Giants of Coach Bill Parcells tangled with the Denver Broncos coached by Dan Reeves. The Broncos had heralded QB John Elway under center while running back Joe Morris, signal caller Phil Simms and the Big Blue Wrecking Crew Defense spearheaded by Lawrence Taylor were part of the Giants' arsenal. Simms had a great game, and he was named the Super Bowl MVP. The Giant's quarterback finished the game with 22 of 25 passes completed for 268 yards and three touchdowns and set multiple NFL records.

Super Bowl XXVII in 1993:

The Buffalo Bills of Marv Levy were participating in their third straight Super Bowl game against the upstart Dallas Cowboys of Jimmy Johnson. Bills fans hoped the third time would be the charm for QB Jim Kelly and company, as they had lost their two previous visits to the Big Dance. The Cowboys were just starting their dynasty, and with a trio of offensive weapons of Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, and Michael Irvin, they proved to be a little too much for Bruce Smith and his fellow Buffalo defenders. It was Dallas in a route 52-17. Aikman was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns for a passer rating of 140.6 while also rushing for 28 yards. Oh yeah, and Michael Jackson played at the halftime show, starting a trend of top entertainment.

A Very Special thanks to information obtained from the following brilliant internet sites: On This Day Sports, the Sports Reference's family of website databases & Stathead.com.

Banner photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of HSI SRT members meet with Medal of Honor recipients during Super Bowl week on February 3, 2017. Compliments of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from Washington, D.C.