Super Bowl XLI

Super Bowl XLI
Game name	Super Bowl XLI
Visitor	Chicago Bears
Home	Indianapolis Colts
Date	February 4, 2007
Stadium	Sun Life Stadium
City	Miami Gardens, Florida
Attendance	74,512
Mvp	NFL MVP Peyton Manning
Odds	Colts by 7

Super Bowl XLI was the championship game of the 2006 NFL season played on February 4, 2007, at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The matchup featured the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts with the Colts defeating the Bears 29–17. The game was notable for heavy rain, the first Super Bowl played in a wet condition, and for being the first Super Bowl appearance for Tony Dungy as a head coach and the first Super Bowl victory by an African-American head coach. The event drew global attention, with halftime performed by Prince and pregame ceremonies featuring figures from American football and U.S. politics.

Background and Host Selection

The selection of Miami as host followed bids from cities including Atlanta, Detroit, New York City, Houston, and Phoenix. The National Football League owners voted to award the game to Miami Gardens at a meeting attended by representatives from franchises such as the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers. The choice favored regions with experience staging marquee events like the Orange Bowl and the NCAA Final Four. Local organizing committees coordinated with entities including the Florida Governor's office, Miami-Dade County, the National Weather Service, and private partners such as NFL Properties to prepare Sun Life Stadium and surrounding infrastructure.

Teams

The Indianapolis Colts entered the game after finishing the regular season 12–4 under head coach Tony Dungy and starting quarterback Peyton Manning, who won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award that season. The Colts' roster featured stars such as Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Joseph Addai, and a defense coordinated by Chet Wynne-era assistants and defensive staff including Ron Meeks. The Colts advanced through the playoffs by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Chicago Bears finished the regular season 13–3 under head coach Lovie Smith with quarterback Rex Grossman and a dominant defense led by linebacker Brian Urlacher, defensive end Julius Peppers, cornerback Nathan Vasher, and safety Mike Brown. The Bears' offense showcased running back Thomas Jones and a passing game coordinated with offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Chicago reached the Super Bowl after playoff victories over the Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints.

Game Summary

The game began under intermittent rain, affecting ball security and kicking conditions as players from both teams, including Peyton Manning, Rex Grossman, Brian Urlacher, Marvin Harrison, and Julius Peppers, adjusted to wet turf at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts struck first with a touchdown drive capped by passes to Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison; their execution resembled regular-season victories over teams like the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans. Chicago responded with a mix of defensive pressure by Lance Briggs and offensive drives featuring Rex Grossman and Kerry Collins-era comparisons, but turnovers and a critical interception by Colts defensive back Nick Harper shifted momentum.

In the second half, the Colts maintained control as Joseph Addai produced key runs and Dallas Clark provided a reliable target, while the Bears struggled with dropped passes and field-position issues involving Robbie Gould's kicking attempts. Special teams plays and penalties involving personnel from teams with histories like the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants affected the flow. The game's closing minutes saw the Colts manage the clock behind Peyton Manning and running plays, sealing the victory and earning Manning the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award.

Scoring Summary

- First Quarter: Colts field goals and a touchdown connection to Marvin Harrison opened the scoring; Bears responded with a field goal by Robbie Gould. - Second Quarter: Colts added a touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne and a field goal; Bears answered with a touchdown pass to Desmond Clark and a late field goal attempt affected by weather. - Third Quarter: Bears narrowed the margin with a touchdown drive featuring Rex Grossman and Muhsin Muhammad; Colts countered with sustained drives culminating in points from Joseph Addai and short-yardage efforts. - Fourth Quarter: Colts extended the lead with a long touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison and controlled possession to prevent a Bears comeback, with decisive defensive plays by Antoine Bethea and Gary Brackett.

Game Statistics and Records

The Colts' offense outgained the Bears in total yards, with Peyton Manning setting a Super Bowl record for pass attempts and leadership metrics comparable to Joe Montana and Tom Brady in prior championships. Individual performances included standout receiving numbers from Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and rushing contributions from Joseph Addai. Defensive statistics highlighted tackles by Brian Urlacher and pressures generated by Julius Peppers, though the Colts' opportunistic turnovers proved decisive. The game set or tied Super Bowl marks in areas such as weather-impacted turnovers, longest touchdown play comparisons to contests involving Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, and coaching milestones for Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith as head coaches in championship games.

Broadcasting and Entertainment

The broadcast was produced by NBC Sports with commentators including Al Michaels, John Madden, and sideline reporting by Andrea Kremer and Lisa Guerrero, while studio coverage featured personalities from Football Night in America and The Today Show cross-promotions. International feeds were distributed by networks such as the BBC, TSN, Sky Sports, and Fox Sports International. The halftime show starred Prince with a setlist that included songs associated with artists like The Revolution and guest references to Stevie Wonder-era arrangements; pregame musical tributes involved performers linked to American Idol and other televised talent platforms. Ceremony participants included former players from franchises like Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts alumni, and public figures from Florida and national politics.

Category:National Football League championships