Super Bowl XXI

Super Bowl XXI
Name	Super Bowl XXI
Visitor	Denver Broncos
Home	New York Giants
Visitor conf	AFC
Home conf	NFC
Visitor score	20
Home score	39
Date	January 25, 1987
Stadium	Rose Bowl
City	Pasadena, California
Attendance	101,063
Odds	Broncos by 1.5
Mvp	Phil Simms
Anthem	Whoopi Goldberg
Referee	Jerry Markbreit
Halftime	Up with People
Network	CBS
Announcers	Pat Summerall, John Madden

Super Bowl XXI was the championship game concluding the 1986 National Football League season, played on January 25, 1987, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The contest featured the Denver Broncos of the American Football Conference and the New York Giants of the National Football Conference, with the Giants prevailing 39–20. Quarterback Phil Simms was named Most Valuable Player after an efficient performance, while the game represented a turning point for personnel including Bill Parcells and John Elway.

Background

The game followed a season shaped by notable events such as the NFL Draft selections that included Jeff Hostetler and Lawrence Taylor, and controversies involving Jim Kelly and the USFL. The Denver Broncos entered after playoff wins over Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, while the New York Giants advanced after postseason victories against the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins. Television coverage was provided by CBS Sports with broadcasters Pat Summerall and John Madden calling plays, and the halftime show featured Up with People, a troupe linked to community initiatives and linked to performers like Aerosmith in other contexts. The selection of the Rose Bowl connected the game to the legacy of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and historic events hosted at the stadium, including previous NFL championships and college bowl games such as the Rose Bowl Game.

Teams

The New York Giants roster featured head coach Bill Parcells, defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, and key players like linebacker Harry Carson, defensive end Lawrence Taylor, running back Joe Morris, and kicker Raúl Allegre. Offensively, the Giants relied on play-calling from offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt and wide receivers including Phil McConkey and Stacey Bailey. The Denver Broncos were led by head coach Dan Reeves, quarterback John Elway, running backs Steve Sewell and Sammy Winder, tight end Ricky Nattiel—and special teams under coach Jerry Smith. Personnel moves during the season involved figures like general managers George Young and John Beake, and the teams' paths reflected strategic shifts related to schemes associated with Bill Walsh's West Coast concepts and traditional power systems traced to coaches such as Don Coryell.

Game summary

The contest commenced with a defensive battle before opening into a high-scoring affair in the second quarter. Simms' precise passing connected with receivers Phil McConkey and Mark Bavaro, generating sustained drives that consumed clock against Denver's secondary featuring players like Broncos cornerback Mike Harden and safety Brett Clark. Denver responded with efforts by Elway to utilize the pocket and scramble, leveraging pass-catch combinations with Vance Johnson and Ricky Nattiel. Special teams plays and turnovers—including an interception involving Karl Mecklenburg—shifted momentum. Head coaches Dan Reeves and Bill Parcells made adjustments; Parcells' emphasis on ball control and defensive aggression by coordinators like Bill Belichick limited Elway in key stretches. Simms completed a remarkable percentage of passes with multiple third-down conversions, while the Giants converted red-zone opportunities via rushing from Joe Morris.

Scoring summary

First quarter - NYG: Field goal by Raúl Allegre — Giants take early lead with drives featuring Phil Simms and Stacey Bailey. - DEN: Field goal by Rich Karlis — Broncos respond through John Elway's drives targeting Vance Johnson.

Second quarter - NYG: Touchdown pass to Mark Bavaro — Simms finds Bavaro after play-action to extend lead. - NYG: Touchdown run by Joe Morris — Ground attack capitalizes on offensive line play including Bart Oates and George Adams. - DEN: Touchdown pass from John Elway to Ricky Nattiel — Broncos answer before halftime. - NYG: Field goal by Raúl Allegre — Giants go into halftime leading after strategic clock management.

Third quarter - NYG: Touchdown pass to Phil McConkey — Simms' efficiency results in explosive scoring. - DEN: Touchdown run by Steve Sewell — Elway-led drive narrows deficit. - NYG: Field goal by Raúl Allegre — Giants maintain advantage with conservative play-calling.

Fourth quarter - NYG: Touchdown run by Joe Morris — Ground game secures clock and final margin. - DEN: Late touchdown pass from John Elway to Vance Johnson — Too late to overcome Giants' lead.

Statistics and records

Simms completed 22 of 25 passes, setting Super Bowl records for completion percentage and efficiency at the time, outperforming previous mark-holders like Joe Montana and Roger Staubach. The Giants' defense, anchored by Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks, limited Denver's rushing totals below season averages associated with players such as Sammy Winder. The game set attendance records at the Rose Bowl and marked a television audience milestone for CBS Sports with commentators Pat Summerall and John Madden reaching large Nielsen ratings also shared by marquee events like the World Series and NBA Finals. Individual records included longest touchdown receptions, fewest incompletions, and notable postseason marks credited to franchise leaders such as Phil Simms and John Elway in Super Bowl play.

Aftermath and legacy

The victory elevated Parcells' status with the Pro Football Hall of Fame conversation and bolstered the Giants' franchise stability, influencing future drafts and the careers of front-office figures like George Young. The loss shaped Elway's narrative, leading to subsequent Super Bowl appearances and later induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a culminating achievement. Defensive strategies employed by Bill Belichick during the game informed later schemes in both college and professional contexts, anticipating approaches seen with teams like the New England Patriots. The broadcast and halftime production influenced future NFL events, with CBS Sports and performers such as Up with People part of an evolving entertainment model that connected to pageantry at the Rose Bowl Game. The Giants' championship remained a defining moment amid 1980s NFL history alongside dynasties like the San Francisco 49ers and controversial seasons involving the USFL and labor disputes; it continues to be cited in analyses of coaching legacies, player careers, and franchise-building strategies.

Category:NFL Championship games