Super Bowl XXI
Updated: 12/11/2025, 5:11:57 PM Wikipedia source
Super Bowl XXI was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1986 season. It was the 21st Super Bowl and was played on January 25, 1987, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Giants defeated the Broncos, 39–20, for their first Super Bowl and first NFL title since 1956. It was the first of consecutive Super Bowl losses for the Broncos, who lost the Super Bowl a year later 42–10 to the Washington Redskins. This was the Broncos' first Super Bowl appearance since the 1977 season. Led largely through the play of quarterback John Elway and a defense that led the AFC in fewest yards allowed, the Broncos posted an 11–5 regular season record and two narrow playoff victories. The Giants, led by quarterback Phil Simms, running back Joe Morris, and their "Big Blue Wrecking Crew" defense, advanced to their first Super Bowl after posting a 14–2 regular season record and only allowing a combined total of 3 points in their two postseason wins. The game was tight in the first half, with the Broncos holding a 10–9 halftime lead, the narrowest margin in Super Bowl history. The only score in the second quarter, however, was Giants defensive end George Martin's sack of Elway in the end zone for a safety. This began the Giants’ run of scoring 26 unanswered points through the third and fourth quarters. Denver would counter with ten additional points toward the end of the game to narrow their margin of victory. The Giants also posted a Super Bowl record 30 points in the second half, and limited the Broncos to only 2 net yards in the third quarter. Simms, who was named the Super Bowl MVP, finished the game with 22 of 25 passes completed for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 25 rushing yards on 3 carries. His 22 out of 25 (88%) completion percentage broke both a Super Bowl and NFL postseason record. The telecast of the game on CBS was seen by an estimated 87.2 million viewers. The large national audience saw an early appearance of the now-traditional Gatorade shower, where players dump a cooler full of liquid over a coach's head following a meaningful win. The practice was first started by Giants players in 1985; it began to gain national attention during the 1986 season, when Parcells was doused after every win. Another tradition was set with the quarterback from the winning team stating after the game that he was "Going to Disneyworld/Disneyland!"; although this version was made into an advertisement (featuring "When You Wish Upon A Star" as its soundtrack) for later playback. Simms would be the first to say it live following the Giants win in Super Bowl XXV. Both he and Elway were each paid $75,000. This loss also kicked off the Broncos' run of Super Bowl futility with John Elway under center that decade. They would make it back to the Super Bowl the very next year but lost 42–10 to the Washington Redskins, after leading 10–0 at the end of the first quarter. Two years later, they made it back but fell to the defending world champion 49ers 55–10.
Infobox
Denver Broncos (2)(AFC)(11–5)
Denver Broncos (2)(AFC)(11–5) New York Giants (1)(NFC)(14–2) 20 39 Head coach:Dan Reeves Head coach:Bill Parcells
Date
January 25, 1987 (1987-01-25)
Kickoff time
3:13 p.m. PST (UTC-8)
Stadium
Rose BowlPasadena, California
MVP
Phil Simms, quarterback
Favorite
Giants by 9.5
Referee
Jerry Markbreit
Attendance
101,063
National anthem
Neil Diamond
Coin toss
Willie Davis
Halftime show
George Burns, Mickey Rooney, USC Marching Band
Network
NBC Radio
Announcers
Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy
Nielsen ratings
45.8(est. 87.2 million viewers)
Market share
66
Cost of 30-second commercial
$600,000
Tables
Broncos (AFC)
Broncos (AFC)
Quarter
Broncos (AFC)
mw- 1
10
2
0
3
0
4
10
Total
20
Giants (NFC)
Giants (NFC)
Quarter
Giants (NFC)
mw- 1
7
2
2
3
17
4
13
Total
39
| Quarter | mw- 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos (AFC) | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 20 |
| Giants (NFC) | 7 | 2 | 17 | 13 | 39 |
· Game summary › Box score
Quarter
Time
Drive
Team
Scoring information
Score
Plays
Yards
TOP
DEN
NYG
1
10:51
8
45
4:09
DEN
48-yard field goal by Rich Karlis
3
0
1
5:27
9
78
5:24
NYG
Zeke Mowatt 6-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Raúl Allegre kick good
3
7
1
2:06
6
58
3:21
DEN
John Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good
10
7
2
2:46
3
–15
0:47
NYG
Elway tackled in end zone for a safety by George Martin
10
9
3
10:08
8
63
4:52
NYG
Mark Bavaro 13-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
10
16
3
3:54
9
32
5:07
NYG
21-yard field goal by Allegre
10
19
3
0:24
5
68
2:14
NYG
Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick good
10
26
4
10:56
6
52
3:50
NYG
Phil McConkey 6-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
10
33
4
6:01
13
73
4:55
DEN
28-yard field goal by Karlis
13
33
4
4:18
5
46
2:43
NYG
Ottis Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick no good (wide left)
13
39
4
2:06
5
69
2:12
DEN
Vance Johnson 47-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good
20
39
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.
20
39
Quarter
Time
Drive
Team
Scoring information
Score
Plays
Yards
TOP
DEN
NYG
1
10:51
8
45
4:09
DEN
48-yard field goal by Rich Karlis
3
0
1
5:27
9
78
5:24
NYG
Zeke Mowatt 6-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Raúl Allegre kick good
3
7
1
2:06
6
58
3:21
DEN
John Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good
10
7
2
2:46
3
–15
0:47
NYG
Elway tackled in end zone for a safety by George Martin
10
9
3
10:08
8
63
4:52
NYG
Mark Bavaro 13-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
10
16
3
3:54
9
32
5:07
NYG
21-yard field goal by Allegre
10
19
3
0:24
5
68
2:14
NYG
Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick good
10
26
4
10:56
6
52
3:50
NYG
Phil McConkey 6-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
10
33
4
6:01
13
73
4:55
DEN
28-yard field goal by Karlis
13
33
4
4:18
5
46
2:43
NYG
Ottis Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick no good (wide left)
13
39
4
2:06
5
69
2:12
DEN
Vance Johnson 47-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good
20
39
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.
20
39
Scoring summary
Quarter
Time
Drive
Team
Scoring information
Score
Plays
Yards
TOP
DEN
NYG
1
10:51
8
45
4:09
DEN
48-yard field goal by Rich Karlis
3
0
1
5:27
9
78
5:24
NYG
Zeke Mowatt 6-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Raúl Allegre kick good
3
7
1
2:06
6
58
3:21
DEN
John Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good
10
7
2
2:46
3
–15
0:47
NYG
Elway tackled in end zone for a safety by George Martin
10
9
3
10:08
8
63
4:52
NYG
Mark Bavaro 13-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
10
16
3
3:54
9
32
5:07
NYG
21-yard field goal by Allegre
10
19
3
0:24
5
68
2:14
NYG
Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick good
10
26
4
10:56
6
52
3:50
NYG
Phil McConkey 6-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
10
33
4
6:01
13
73
4:55
DEN
28-yard field goal by Karlis
13
33
4
4:18
5
46
2:43
NYG
Ottis Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick no good (wide left)
13
39
4
2:06
5
69
2:12
DEN
Vance Johnson 47-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good
20
39
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.
20
39
| Scoring summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score Plays Yards TOP DEN NYG 1 10:51 8 45 4:09 DEN 48-yard field goal by Rich Karlis 3 0 1 5:27 9 78 5:24 NYG Zeke Mowatt 6-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Raúl Allegre kick good 3 7 1 2:06 6 58 3:21 DEN John Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good 10 7 2 2:46 3 –15 0:47 NYG Elway tackled in end zone for a safety by George Martin 10 9 3 10:08 8 63 4:52 NYG Mark Bavaro 13-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good 10 16 3 3:54 9 32 5:07 NYG 21-yard field goal by Allegre 10 19 3 0:24 5 68 2:14 NYG Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick good 10 26 4 10:56 6 52 3:50 NYG Phil McConkey 6-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good 10 33 4 6:01 13 73 4:55 DEN 28-yard field goal by Karlis 13 33 4 4:18 5 46 2:43 NYG Ottis Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick no good (wide left) 13 39 4 2:06 5 69 2:12 DEN Vance Johnson 47-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good 20 39 "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 20 39
|
Plays
Plays
Quarter
Plays
Time
Yards
Drive
TOP
Drive
DEN
Drive
NYG
1
1
Quarter
1
Time
10:51
Drive
8
Drive
45
Drive
4:09
Team
DEN
Scoring information
48-yard field goal by Rich Karlis
Score
3
Score
0
1
1
Quarter
1
Time
5:27
Drive
9
Drive
78
Drive
5:24
Team
NYG
Scoring information
Zeke Mowatt 6-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Raúl Allegre kick good
Score
3
Score
7
1
1
Quarter
1
Time
2:06
Drive
6
Drive
58
Drive
3:21
Team
DEN
Scoring information
John Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good
Score
10
Score
7
2
2
Quarter
2
Time
2:46
Drive
3
Drive
–15
Drive
0:47
Team
NYG
Scoring information
Elway tackled in end zone for a safety by George Martin
Score
10
Score
9
3
3
Quarter
3
Time
10:08
Drive
8
Drive
63
Drive
4:52
Team
NYG
Scoring information
Mark Bavaro 13-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
Score
10
Score
16
3
3
Quarter
3
Time
3:54
Drive
9
Drive
32
Drive
5:07
Team
NYG
Scoring information
21-yard field goal by Allegre
Score
10
Score
19
3
3
Quarter
3
Time
0:24
Drive
5
Drive
68
Drive
2:14
Team
NYG
Scoring information
Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick good
Score
10
Score
26
4
4
Quarter
4
Time
10:56
Drive
6
Drive
52
Drive
3:50
Team
NYG
Scoring information
Phil McConkey 6-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good
Score
10
Score
33
4
4
Quarter
4
Time
6:01
Drive
13
Drive
73
Drive
4:55
Team
DEN
Scoring information
28-yard field goal by Karlis
Score
13
Score
33
4
4
Quarter
4
Time
4:18
Drive
5
Drive
46
Drive
2:43
Team
NYG
Scoring information
Ottis Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick no good (wide left)
Score
13
Score
39
4
4
Quarter
4
Time
2:06
Drive
5
Drive
69
Drive
2:12
Team
DEN
Scoring information
Vance Johnson 47-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good
Score
20
Score
39
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.
Quarter
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.
Time
20
Drive
39
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | |||
| Plays | Yards | TOP | DEN | NYG | ||||
| 1 | 10:51 | 8 | 45 | 4:09 | DEN | 48-yard field goal by Rich Karlis | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | 5:27 | 9 | 78 | 5:24 | NYG | Zeke Mowatt 6-yard touchdown reception from Phil Simms, Raúl Allegre kick good | 3 | 7 |
| 1 | 2:06 | 6 | 58 | 3:21 | DEN | John Elway 4-yard touchdown run, Karlis kick good | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | 2:46 | 3 | –15 | 0:47 | NYG | Elway tackled in end zone for a safety by George Martin | 10 | 9 |
| 3 | 10:08 | 8 | 63 | 4:52 | NYG | Mark Bavaro 13-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good | 10 | 16 |
| 3 | 3:54 | 9 | 32 | 5:07 | NYG | 21-yard field goal by Allegre | 10 | 19 |
| 3 | 0:24 | 5 | 68 | 2:14 | NYG | Joe Morris 1-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick good | 10 | 26 |
| 4 | 10:56 | 6 | 52 | 3:50 | NYG | Phil McConkey 6-yard touchdown reception from Simms, Allegre kick good | 10 | 33 |
| 4 | 6:01 | 13 | 73 | 4:55 | DEN | 28-yard field goal by Karlis | 13 | 33 |
| 4 | 4:18 | 5 | 46 | 2:43 | NYG | Ottis Anderson 2-yard touchdown run, Allegre kick no good (wide left) | 13 | 39 |
| 4 | 2:06 | 5 | 69 | 2:12 | DEN | Vance Johnson 47-yard touchdown reception from Elway, Karlis kick good | 20 | 39 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20 | 39 | ||||||
· Final statistics › Statistical comparison
First downs
First downs
Col 1
First downs
Denver Broncos
23
New York Giants
24
First downs rushing
First downs rushing
Col 1
First downs rushing
Denver Broncos
5
New York Giants
10
First downs passing
First downs passing
Col 1
First downs passing
Denver Broncos
16
New York Giants
13
First downs penalty
First downs penalty
Col 1
First downs penalty
Denver Broncos
2
New York Giants
1
Third down efficiency
Third down efficiency
Col 1
Third down efficiency
Denver Broncos
7/14
New York Giants
6/12
Fourth down efficiency
Fourth down efficiency
Col 1
Fourth down efficiency
Denver Broncos
0/0
New York Giants
1/2
Net yards rushing
Net yards rushing
Col 1
Net yards rushing
Denver Broncos
52
New York Giants
136
Rushing attempts
Rushing attempts
Col 1
Rushing attempts
Denver Broncos
19
New York Giants
38
Yards per rush
Yards per rush
Col 1
Yards per rush
Denver Broncos
2.7
New York Giants
3.6
Passing – Completions/attempts
Passing – Completions/attempts
Col 1
Passing – Completions/attempts
Denver Broncos
26/41
New York Giants
22/25
Times sacked-total yards
Times sacked-total yards
Col 1
Times sacked-total yards
Denver Broncos
4–32
New York Giants
1–5
Interceptions thrown
Interceptions thrown
Col 1
Interceptions thrown
Denver Broncos
1
New York Giants
0
Net yards passing
Net yards passing
Col 1
Net yards passing
Denver Broncos
320
New York Giants
263
Total net yards
Total net yards
Col 1
Total net yards
Denver Broncos
372
New York Giants
399
Punt returns-total yards
Punt returns-total yards
Col 1
Punt returns-total yards
Denver Broncos
1–9
New York Giants
1–25
Kickoff returns-total yards
Kickoff returns-total yards
Col 1
Kickoff returns-total yards
Denver Broncos
5–84
New York Giants
4–53
Interceptions-total return yards
Interceptions-total return yards
Col 1
Interceptions-total return yards
Denver Broncos
0–0
New York Giants
1–(−7)
Punts-average yardage
Punts-average yardage
Col 1
Punts-average yardage
Denver Broncos
2–41.0
New York Giants
3–46.0
Fumbles-lost
Fumbles-lost
Col 1
Fumbles-lost
Denver Broncos
2–0
New York Giants
0–0
Penalties-total yards
Penalties-total yards
Col 1
Penalties-total yards
Denver Broncos
4–28
New York Giants
6–48
Time of possession
Time of possession
Col 1
Time of possession
Denver Broncos
25:21
New York Giants
34:39
Turnovers
Turnovers
Col 1
Turnovers
Denver Broncos
1
New York Giants
0
| Denver Broncos | New York Giants | |
| First downs | 23 | 24 |
| First downs rushing | 5 | 10 |
| First downs passing | 16 | 13 |
| First downs penalty | 2 | 1 |
| Third down efficiency | 7/14 | 6/12 |
| Fourth down efficiency | 0/0 | 1/2 |
| Net yards rushing | 52 | 136 |
| Rushing attempts | 19 | 38 |
| Yards per rush | 2.7 | 3.6 |
| Passing – Completions/attempts | 26/41 | 22/25 |
| Times sacked-total yards | 4–32 | 1–5 |
| Interceptions thrown | 1 | 0 |
| Net yards passing | 320 | 263 |
| Total net yards | 372 | 399 |
| Punt returns-total yards | 1–9 | 1–25 |
| Kickoff returns-total yards | 5–84 | 4–53 |
| Interceptions-total return yards | 0–0 | 1–(−7) |
| Punts-average yardage | 2–41.0 | 3–46.0 |
| Fumbles-lost | 2–0 | 0–0 |
| Penalties-total yards | 4–28 | 6–48 |
| Time of possession | 25:21 | 34:39 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
John Elway
John Elway
Broncos passing
John Elway
Broncos passing
22/37
Broncos passing
304
Broncos passing
1
Broncos passing
1
Broncos passing
83.6
Gary Kubiak
Gary Kubiak
Broncos passing
Gary Kubiak
Broncos passing
4/4
Broncos passing
48
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
116.7
Broncos rushing
Broncos rushing
Broncos passing
Broncos rushing
John Elway
John Elway
Broncos passing
John Elway
Broncos passing
6
Broncos passing
27
Broncos passing
1
Broncos passing
10
Broncos passing
4.50
Gerald Willhite
Gerald Willhite
Broncos passing
Gerald Willhite
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
19
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
11
Broncos passing
4.75
Steve Sewell
Steve Sewell
Broncos passing
Steve Sewell
Broncos passing
3
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
12
Broncos passing
1.33
Gene Lang
Gene Lang
Broncos passing
Gene Lang
Broncos passing
2
Broncos passing
2
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
1.00
Sammy Winder
Sammy Winder
Broncos passing
Sammy Winder
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
3
Broncos passing
0.00
Broncos receiving
Broncos receiving
Broncos passing
Broncos receiving
Vance Johnson
Vance Johnson
Broncos passing
Vance Johnson
Broncos passing
5
Broncos passing
121
Broncos passing
1
Broncos passing
54
Broncos passing
6
Gerald Willhite
Gerald Willhite
Broncos passing
Gerald Willhite
Broncos passing
5
Broncos passing
39
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
11
Broncos passing
10
Sammy Winder
Sammy Winder
Broncos passing
Sammy Winder
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
34
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
14
Broncos passing
4
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Broncos passing
Mark Jackson
Broncos passing
3
Broncos passing
51
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
24
Broncos passing
4
Steve Watson
Steve Watson
Broncos passing
Steve Watson
Broncos passing
2
Broncos passing
54
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
31
Broncos passing
3
Clint Sampson
Clint Sampson
Broncos passing
Clint Sampson
Broncos passing
2
Broncos passing
20
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
11
Broncos passing
2
Orson Mobley
Orson Mobley
Broncos passing
Orson Mobley
Broncos passing
2
Broncos passing
17
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
11
Broncos passing
5
Steve Sewell
Steve Sewell
Broncos passing
Steve Sewell
Broncos passing
2
Broncos passing
12
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
7
Broncos passing
4
Gene Lang
Gene Lang
Broncos passing
Gene Lang
Broncos passing
1
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
4
Broncos passing
1
Clarence Kay
Clarence Kay
Broncos passing
Clarence Kay
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
0
Broncos passing
2
| Broncos passing | |||||
| C/ATT1 | Yds | TD | INT | Rating | |
| John Elway | 22/37 | 304 | 1 | 1 | 83.6 |
| Gary Kubiak | 4/4 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 116.7 |
| Broncos rushing | |||||
| Car2 | Yds | TD | LG3 | Yds/Car | |
| John Elway | 6 | 27 | 1 | 10 | 4.50 |
| Gerald Willhite | 4 | 19 | 0 | 11 | 4.75 |
| Steve Sewell | 3 | 4 | 0 | 12 | 1.33 |
| Gene Lang | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1.00 |
| Sammy Winder | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.00 |
| Broncos receiving | |||||
| Rec4 | Yds | TD | LG3 | Target5 | |
| Vance Johnson | 5 | 121 | 1 | 54 | 6 |
| Gerald Willhite | 5 | 39 | 0 | 11 | 10 |
| Sammy Winder | 4 | 34 | 0 | 14 | 4 |
| Mark Jackson | 3 | 51 | 0 | 24 | 4 |
| Steve Watson | 2 | 54 | 0 | 31 | 3 |
| Clint Sampson | 2 | 20 | 0 | 11 | 2 |
| Orson Mobley | 2 | 17 | 0 | 11 | 5 |
| Steve Sewell | 2 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 4 |
| Gene Lang | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Clarence Kay | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Phil Simms
Phil Simms
Giants passing
Phil Simms
Giants passing
22/25
Giants passing
268
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
150.9
Giants rushing
Giants rushing
Giants passing
Giants rushing
Joe Morris
Joe Morris
Giants passing
Joe Morris
Giants passing
20
Giants passing
67
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
11
Giants passing
3.35
Phil Simms
Phil Simms
Giants passing
Phil Simms
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
25
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
22
Giants passing
8.33
Lee Rouson
Lee Rouson
Giants passing
Lee Rouson
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
22
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
18
Giants passing
7.33
Tony Galbreath
Tony Galbreath
Giants passing
Tony Galbreath
Giants passing
4
Giants passing
17
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
7
Giants passing
4.25
Maurice Carthon
Maurice Carthon
Giants passing
Maurice Carthon
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
4
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
2
Giants passing
1.33
Ottis Anderson
Ottis Anderson
Giants passing
Ottis Anderson
Giants passing
2
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
2
Giants passing
0.50
Jeff Rutledge
Jeff Rutledge
Giants passing
Jeff Rutledge
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
2
Giants passing
0.00
Giants receiving
Giants receiving
Giants passing
Giants receiving
Mark Bavaro
Mark Bavaro
Giants passing
Mark Bavaro
Giants passing
4
Giants passing
51
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
17
Giants passing
5
Joe Morris
Joe Morris
Giants passing
Joe Morris
Giants passing
4
Giants passing
20
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
12
Giants passing
4
Maurice Carthon
Maurice Carthon
Giants passing
Maurice Carthon
Giants passing
4
Giants passing
13
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
7
Giants passing
4
Stacy Robinson
Stacy Robinson
Giants passing
Stacy Robinson
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
62
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
36
Giants passing
4
Lionel Manuel
Lionel Manuel
Giants passing
Lionel Manuel
Giants passing
3
Giants passing
43
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
17
Giants passing
3
Phil McConkey
Phil McConkey
Giants passing
Phil McConkey
Giants passing
2
Giants passing
50
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
44
Giants passing
3
Lee Rouson
Lee Rouson
Giants passing
Lee Rouson
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
23
Giants passing
0
Giants passing
23
Giants passing
1
Zeke Mowatt
Zeke Mowatt
Giants passing
Zeke Mowatt
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
6
Giants passing
1
Giants passing
6
Giants passing
1
| Giants passing | |||||
| C/ATT1 | Yds | TD | INT | Rating | |
| Phil Simms | 22/25 | 268 | 3 | 0 | 150.9 |
| Giants rushing | |||||
| Car2 | Yds | TD | LG3 | Yds/Car | |
| Joe Morris | 20 | 67 | 1 | 11 | 3.35 |
| Phil Simms | 3 | 25 | 0 | 22 | 8.33 |
| Lee Rouson | 3 | 22 | 0 | 18 | 7.33 |
| Tony Galbreath | 4 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 4.25 |
| Maurice Carthon | 3 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1.33 |
| Ottis Anderson | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0.50 |
| Jeff Rutledge | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 |
| Giants receiving | |||||
| Rec4 | Yds | TD | LG3 | Target5 | |
| Mark Bavaro | 4 | 51 | 1 | 17 | 5 |
| Joe Morris | 4 | 20 | 0 | 12 | 4 |
| Maurice Carthon | 4 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 4 |
| Stacy Robinson | 3 | 62 | 0 | 36 | 4 |
| Lionel Manuel | 3 | 43 | 0 | 17 | 3 |
| Phil McConkey | 2 | 50 | 1 | 44 | 3 |
| Lee Rouson | 1 | 23 | 0 | 23 | 1 |
| Zeke Mowatt | 1 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
· Final statistics › Records set
Passing Records
Passing Records
Player Records Set
Passing Records
Highest passer rating, game
Highest passer rating, game
Player Records Set
Highest passer rating, game
Player Records Set
150.9
Player Records Set
Phil Simms(New York)
Highest completion percentage, game, (20 attempts)
Highest completion percentage, game, (20 attempts)
Player Records Set
Highest completion percentage, game, (20 attempts)
Player Records Set
88.0%(22–25)
Most consecutive completions, game
Most consecutive completions, game
Player Records Set
Most consecutive completions, game
Player Records Set
10
Records Tied
Records Tied
Player Records Set
Records Tied
Longest field goal
Longest field goal
Player Records Set
Longest field goal
Player Records Set
48 yards
Player Records Set
Rich Karlis(Denver)
Most 40-plus yard field goals, game
Most 40-plus yard field goals, game
Player Records Set
Most 40-plus yard field goals, game
Player Records Set
1
Most Safeties, Game
Most Safeties, Game
Player Records Set
Most Safeties, Game
Player Records Set
1
Player Records Set
George Martin(New York)
| Player Records Set | ||
| Passing Records | ||
| Highest passer rating, game | 150.9 | Phil Simms(New York) |
| Highest completion percentage, game, (20 attempts) | 88.0%(22–25) | |
| Most consecutive completions, game | 10 | |
| Records Tied | ||
| Longest field goal | 48 yards | Rich Karlis(Denver) |
| Most 40-plus yard field goals, game | 1 | |
| Most Safeties, Game | 1 | George Martin(New York) |
Points
Points
Team Records Set
Points
Most points scored, second half
Most points scored, second half
Team Records Set
Most points scored, second half
Team Records Set
30 points
Team Records Set
Giants
Passing
Passing
Team Records Set
Passing
Highest completion percentage (20 attempts)
Highest completion percentage (20 attempts)
Team Records Set
Highest completion percentage (20 attempts)
Team Records Set
88.0%(22–25)
Team Records Set
Giants
Defense
Defense
Team Records Set
Defense
Most yards allowed in a win
Most yards allowed in a win
Team Records Set
Most yards allowed in a win
Team Records Set
372
Team Records Set
Giants
Records Tied
Records Tied
Team Records Set
Records Tied
Most touchdowns, game
Most touchdowns, game
Team Records Set
Most touchdowns, game
Team Records Set
5
Team Records Set
Giants
Most Safeties, Game
Most Safeties, Game
Team Records Set
Most Safeties, Game
Team Records Set
1
Fewest turnovers, game
Fewest turnovers, game
Team Records Set
Fewest turnovers, game
Team Records Set
0
Fewest punts, game
Fewest punts, game
Team Records Set
Fewest punts, game
Team Records Set
2
Team Records Set
Broncos
| Team Records Set | ||
| Points | ||
| Most points scored, second half | 30 points | Giants |
| Passing | ||
| Highest completion percentage (20 attempts) | 88.0%(22–25) | Giants |
| Defense | ||
| Most yards allowed in a win | 372 | Giants |
| Records Tied | ||
| Most touchdowns, game | 5 | Giants |
| Most Safeties, Game | 1 | |
| Fewest turnovers, game | 0 | |
| Fewest punts, game | 2 | Broncos |
Points, Both Teams
Points, Both Teams
Records Set, both team totals
Points, Both Teams
Most points scored, second half
Most points scored, second half
Records Set, both team totals
Most points scored, second half
Records Set, both team totals
40 points
Records Set, both team totals
30
Records Set, both team totals
10
Rushing, Both Teams
Rushing, Both Teams
Records Set, both team totals
Rushing, Both Teams
Fewest rushing yards (net)
Fewest rushing yards (net)
Records Set, both team totals
Fewest rushing yards (net)
Records Set, both team totals
155 yards
Records Set, both team totals
136
Records Set, both team totals
19
Turnovers, Both Teams
Turnovers, Both Teams
Records Set, both team totals
Turnovers, Both Teams
Fewest Turnovers
Fewest Turnovers
Records Set, both team totals
Fewest Turnovers
Records Set, both team totals
1
Records Set, both team totals
0
Records Set, both team totals
1
Punting, Both Teams
Punting, Both Teams
Records Set, both team totals
Punting, Both Teams
Fewest punts, game
Fewest punts, game
Records Set, both team totals
Fewest punts, game
Records Set, both team totals
5
Records Set, both team totals
3
Records Set, both team totals
2
Records tied, both team totals
Records tied, both team totals
Records Set, both team totals
Records tied, both team totals
Most points, first quarter
Most points, first quarter
Records Set, both team totals
Most points, first quarter
Records Set, both team totals
17 points
Records Set, both team totals
7
Records Set, both team totals
10
Fewest times intercepted
Fewest times intercepted
Records Set, both team totals
Fewest times intercepted
Records Set, both team totals
1
Records Set, both team totals
0
Records Set, both team totals
1
Fewest fumbles lost
Fewest fumbles lost
Records Set, both team totals
Fewest fumbles lost
Records Set, both team totals
0
Records Set, both team totals
0
Records Set, both team totals
0
Fewest punt returns, game
Fewest punt returns, game
Records Set, both team totals
Fewest punt returns, game
Records Set, both team totals
2
Records Set, both team totals
1
Records Set, both team totals
1
| Records Set, both team totals | |||
| Total | Giants | Broncos | |
| Points, Both Teams | |||
| Most points scored, second half | 40 points | 30 | 10 |
| Rushing, Both Teams | |||
| Fewest rushing yards (net) | 155 yards | 136 | 19 |
| Turnovers, Both Teams | |||
| Fewest Turnovers | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Punting, Both Teams | |||
| Fewest punts, game | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Records tied, both team totals | |||
| Most points, first quarter | 17 points | 7 | 10 |
| Fewest times intercepted | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fewest fumbles lost | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fewest punt returns, game | 2 | 1 | 1 |
· Starting lineups
Offense
Offense
Denver
Offense
Vance Johnson
Vance Johnson
Denver
Vance Johnson
Position
WR
Position
Lionel Manuel
Dave Studdard
Dave Studdard
Denver
Dave Studdard
Position
LT
Position
Brad Benson
Keith Bishop
Keith Bishop
Denver
Keith Bishop
Position
LG
Position
Billy Ard
Billy Bryan
Billy Bryan
Denver
Billy Bryan
Position
C
Position
Bart Oates
Mark Cooper
Mark Cooper
Denver
Mark Cooper
Position
RG
Position
Chris Godfrey
Ken Lanier
Ken Lanier
Denver
Ken Lanier
Position
RT
Position
Karl Nelson
Clarence Kay
Clarence Kay
Denver
Clarence Kay
Position
TE
Position
Mark Bavaro
Steve Watson
Steve Watson
Denver
Steve Watson
Position
WR
Position
Stacy Robinson
John Elway‡
John Elway‡
Denver
John Elway‡
Position
QB
Position
Phil Simms
Sammy Winder
Sammy Winder
Denver
Sammy Winder
Position
RB
Position
Joe Morris
Gerald Willhite
Gerald Willhite
Denver
Gerald Willhite
Position
FB
Position
Maurice Carthon
Defense
Defense
Denver
Defense
Andre Townsend
Andre Townsend
Denver
Andre Townsend
Position
LE
Position
George Martin
Greg Kragen
Greg Kragen
Denver
Greg Kragen
Position
NT
Position
Jim Burt
Rulon Jones
Rulon Jones
Denver
Rulon Jones
Position
RE
Position
Leonard Marshall
Jim Ryan
Jim Ryan
Denver
Jim Ryan
Position
LOLB
Position
Carl Banks
Karl Mecklenburg
Karl Mecklenburg
Denver
Karl Mecklenburg
Position
LILB
Position
Gary Reasons
Ricky Hunley
Ricky Hunley
Denver
Ricky Hunley
Position
RILB
Position
Harry Carson‡
Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson
Denver
Tom Jackson
Position
ROLB
Position
Lawrence Taylor‡
Louis Wright
Louis Wright
Denver
Louis Wright
Position
LCB
Position
Elvis Patterson
Mike Harden
Mike Harden
Denver
Mike Harden
Position
RCB
Position
Perry Williams
Steve Foley
Steve Foley
Denver
Steve Foley
Position
SS
Position
Kenny Hill
Dennis Smith
Dennis Smith
Denver
Dennis Smith
Position
FS
Position
Herb Welch
| Denver | Position | Position | New York |
| Offense | |||
| Vance Johnson | WR | Lionel Manuel | |
| Dave Studdard | LT | Brad Benson | |
| Keith Bishop | LG | Billy Ard | |
| Billy Bryan | C | Bart Oates | |
| Mark Cooper | RG | Chris Godfrey | |
| Ken Lanier | RT | Karl Nelson | |
| Clarence Kay | TE | Mark Bavaro | |
| Steve Watson | WR | Stacy Robinson | |
| John Elway‡ | QB | Phil Simms | |
| Sammy Winder | RB | Joe Morris | |
| Gerald Willhite | FB | Maurice Carthon | |
| Defense | |||
| Andre Townsend | LE | George Martin | |
| Greg Kragen | NT | Jim Burt | |
| Rulon Jones | RE | Leonard Marshall | |
| Jim Ryan | LOLB | Carl Banks | |
| Karl Mecklenburg | LILB | Gary Reasons | |
| Ricky Hunley | RILB | Harry Carson‡ | |
| Tom Jackson | ROLB | Lawrence Taylor‡ | |
| Louis Wright | LCB | Elvis Patterson | |
| Mike Harden | RCB | Perry Williams | |
| Steve Foley | SS | Kenny Hill | |
| Dennis Smith | FS | Herb Welch | |
References
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- Vegas Insiderhttp://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/superbowl/history/
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- Pro Football Referencehttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198701110cle.htm
- Pro Football Referencehttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198701040nyg.htm
- Pro Football Referencehttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198701110nyg.htm
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- Broadcasting Magazinehttp://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1987/BC-1987-01-19.pdf
- Broadcasting Magazinehttp://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1987/BC-1987-01-05.pdf
- USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2013/12/06/championship-cbs-college-football-jingle-lloyd-landesman/3875055/
- "The Man Behind One Shining Moment"https://sports.yahoo.com/video/man-behind-one-shining-moment-184500316.html
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/26/sports/super-bowl-xxi-ditka-and-berry-size-it-up.html
- Bleacher Reporthttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/672642-denver-broncos-5-worst-officiating-mistakes-in-franchise-history/page/4
- Google News Search Archivehttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=pAEmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JvwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4422%2C7344391
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- Pro-Football-Reference.comhttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/super-bowl/leaders.htm
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/26/sports/super-bowl-xxi-mcconkey-returns-gun.html
- "Super Bowl Game-Time Temperatures"http://www.profootballhof.com/news/super-bowl-game-time-temperatures/
- "Super Bowl XXI boxscore"http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/boxscore/sbxxi
- "2016 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book"http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/photo/2015/07/21/0ap3000000502939.pdf
- Pro Football Referencehttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198701250den.htm
- NFLGSIS.comhttp://www.nflgsis.com/1986/Post/04/15125/Gamebook.pdf
- The Complete History of Professional Football from 1892 to the Present
- "SUPER BOWL XXI – Denver Broncos v New York Giants"http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/lawrence-taylor-of-the-new-york-giants-talks-to-a-referee-news-photo/56403354