Super Bowl XXI

Super Bowl XXI was the championship game of the 1986 NFL season, played on January 25, 1987. The NFC champion New York Giants defeated the AFC champion Denver Broncos, 39–20. The game was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, with Phil Simms earning Super Bowl MVP honors for his record-setting performance.

Background

The New York Giants, coached by Bill Parcells, entered the game with a 14–2 regular-season record, having dominated the NFC East. Their defense, known as the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew," featured stars like Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson. The Denver Broncos, led by coach Dan Reeves and quarterback John Elway, finished 11–5, winning the AFC West. Elway had engineered a dramatic 98-yard drive in the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns, known as "The Drive," to reach the championship. This was the Broncos' second appearance, having lost Super Bowl XII, while the Giants were making their first appearance since a much earlier championship era.

Broadcasting

The game was televised in the United States by CBS, with the broadcast team of Pat Summerall and John Madden in the booth. It was the final Super Bowl broadcast for CBS under the original rotation system among the three major networks. The national anthem was performed by Neil Diamond, while the halftime show featured George Burns, Mickey Rooney, and the USC Trojan Marching Band saluting the "Hollywood" theme. The broadcast set viewership records and was notable for its coverage of the New York City market's fervent support for the Giants.

Game summary

The first half was a defensive struggle. The Denver Broncos took a 10–9 lead into halftime, with their only touchdown coming on a trick play, a 4-yard run by John Elway. The New York Giants' offense, led by Phil Simms, struggled early, managing only three field goals from Raúl Allegre. The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. The Giants scored 17 unanswered points, beginning with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Simms to Mark Bavaro. A critical play was a 78-yard touchdown from Simms to Phil McConkey, set up by a flea-flicker. The Giants' defense, led by Lawrence Taylor, stifled John Elway and the Broncos' offense, recording several sacks. New York scored 30 points in the second half, with Simms finishing 22 of 25 for 268 yards and three touchdowns, setting a record for completion percentage.

Aftermath

The victory gave the New York Giants their first Super Bowl championship, launching a successful era under Bill Parcells. Phil Simms was named Super Bowl MVP for his near-perfect passing performance. The loss was the second for the Denver Broncos and John Elway, beginning a narrative of early Super Bowl struggles for the franchise. The game is remembered for Simms' excellence and the Giants' dominant second-half adjustment. Key players like Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson solidified their Hall of Fame legacies. The Giants' win was celebrated with a massive parade in Manhattan, and the team's success helped further popularize the NFL in the lucrative New York City media market.

Officials

* Referee: Jerry Markbreit * Umpire: Hendi Ancich * Head Linesman: Jerry Bergman * Line Judge: Bobby Skelton * Field Judge: Pat Mallette * Side Judge: Don Orr * Back Judge: Jim Poole The crew, led by veteran Jerry Markbreit, officiated a game that featured few major controversies, allowing the contest's decisive plays to stand out. Markbreit would go on to officiate in three more Super Bowls, including Super Bowl XXIX.

Category:Super Bowl