What Two Teams Played in the First Super Bowl?

By Sarah Miller · August 26, 2045

The first Super Bowl, known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game at the time, was played between the Green Bay Packers of the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL on January 15, 1967. The Green Bay Packers won the game 35-10, marking a historic moment in American football history.

Understanding the First Super Bowl

The inaugural Super Bowl was not originally called “Super Bowl.” It was officially titled the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game” before the name “Super Bowl” became official in later years. This game symbolized the merger agreement between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL), two rival leagues that had competed for players and fans throughout the 1960s.

Key Facts About Super Bowl I

Date: January 15, 1967
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Final Score: Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 10
MVP: Bart Starr, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Attendance: 61,946
Broadcast Networks: CBS and NBC (simulcast)

Teams That Played in the First Super Bowl

The two teams that faced off in the first Super Bowl were the Green Bay Packers, representing the NFL, and the Kansas City Chiefs, representing the AFL. The Packers were coached by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, while the Chiefs were led by Hank Stram.

Green Bay Packers: NFL Champions

The Packers dominated the NFL during the 1960s under Lombardi’s leadership. They won the NFL Championship in both 1965 and 1966, earning their spot in the first interleague championship game. Quarterback Bart Starr orchestrated the offense with precision, and the team featured Hall of Famers such as Ray Nitschke, Jim Taylor, and Paul Hornung.

Kansas City Chiefs: AFL Champions

The Chiefs, originally known as the Dallas Texans before relocating to Kansas City in 1963, won the AFL Championship in 1966 by defeating the Buffalo Bills. Led by quarterback Len Dawson and a strong defense, they proved the AFL could compete at a high level despite being considered inferior to the NFL at the time.

Game Highlights and Significance

Super Bowl I was more than just a football game; it was a cultural milestone. Despite low viewership expectations, over 50 million people tuned in via the dual broadcast on CBS and NBC. The Packers took control early, leading 14-0 in the first quarter and never looking back. Starr threw two touchdown passes and ran for another, securing MVP honors.

The game helped legitimize the AFL and accelerated the full integration of the two leagues, which culminated in the official merger in 1970. It also laid the foundation for what would become the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States.

Team	League	Head Coach	Quarterback	Final Score	Points by Quarter
Green Bay Packers	NFL	Vince Lombardi	Bart Starr	35	14-7-7-7
Kansas City Chiefs	AFL	Hank Stram	Len Dawson	10	0-7-3-0

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows key details from Super Bowl I. The Packers scored consistently across all quarters, demonstrating superior offensive execution and depth. In contrast, the Chiefs struggled after a strong start in the second quarter, failing to score in the fourth quarter due to Green Bay’s dominant defense. This performance underscored the perceived gap between the leagues at the time, though the AFL would prove its strength in future Super Bowls.

About the Super Bowl Name and Legacy

The term “Super Bowl” was coined informally by AFL founder Lamar Hunt, who reportedly got the idea from his children’s “Super Ball” toy. Although initially mocked, the name gained popularity and was officially adopted starting with Super Bowl III in 1969.

Today, the Super Bowl is not only a championship game but a global cultural phenomenon featuring halftime shows, major advertising, and widespread social engagement. The first game set the stage for this evolution, proving that a unified professional football league could capture national attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl

What two teams played in the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers (NFL) and the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL) played in the first Super Bowl on January 15, 1967.

Who won the first Super Bowl and what was the score?

The Green Bay Packers won the first Super Bowl with a final score of 35-10 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Where was the first Super Bowl held?

The first Super Bowl was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

Why wasn't it called the Super Bowl at first?

The game was officially named the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game” because the term “Super Bowl” was informal. It became the official name starting with Super Bowl III.

Who was the MVP of the first Super Bowl?

Bart Starr, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Super Bowl I for his outstanding performance, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for a third.

Were both networks allowed to broadcast the first Super Bowl?

Yes, both CBS and NBC broadcast the first Super Bowl simultaneously, as each network held rights to televise games from one of the two leagues involved.

How did the first Super Bowl impact the NFL-AFL merger?

The success of the first Super Bowl demonstrated the viability of interleague competition and helped accelerate the full merger of the NFL and AFL, which was completed in 1970.