Who Played in the First Super Bowl? Teams, Score & History

By Sarah Miller · January 3, 2043

The first Super Bowl, known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game at the time, was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers of the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL. The Packers won 35-10, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi and quarterback Bart Starr.

What Was the First Super Bowl?

The inaugural Super Bowl, retroactively named Super Bowl I, was held to determine the champion between the rival National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). This game marked the beginning of what would become the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States.

Key Facts About Super Bowl I

Official name at the time: AFL-NFL World Championship Game
Date: January 15, 1967
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 61,946
TV Networks: CBS (NFL contract) and NBC (AFL contract) — the only dual broadcast in Super Bowl history
Halftime Show: University of Arizona and University of Michigan marching bands, plus a tribute to Hollywood

The Teams That Played in Super Bowl I

The two teams that faced off were the champions of their respective leagues:

Green Bay Packers (NFL Champions)

Coached by Vince Lombardi, the Packers had dominated the NFL during the 1960s. They won the 1966 NFL Championship by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-27. Known for their disciplined play and strong defense, the Packers entered the game as favorites.

Kansas City Chiefs (AFL Champions)

Coached by Hank Stram, the Chiefs represented the upstart AFL. They secured their spot by beating the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the 1966 AFL Championship. Despite being underdogs, the Chiefs showcased the AFL’s growing competitiveness.

Team	League	Head Coach	Regular Season Record	Championship Game Result	Super Bowl Result
Green Bay Packers	NFL	Vince Lombardi	12-2	Won 34-27 vs. Dallas	Won 35-10
Kansas City Chiefs	AFL	Hank Stram	11-2-1	Won 31-7 vs. Buffalo	Lost 10-35

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the dominance of both teams in their respective leagues leading up to the first interleague championship. Despite the Chiefs' strong AFL record, the Packers proved superior on the day, outscoring Kansas City with balanced offensive execution and a stifling defense.

Game Highlights and Key Players

The Packers took control early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter. Quarterback Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns and was named MVP. Max McGee, who famously partied the night before, caught two TD passes despite not expecting to play.

The Chiefs managed only one touchdown, scored by running back Curtis McClinton. Their offense struggled against the Packers’ defense, which forced five turnovers.

Notable Performances

Bart Starr (Packers QB): 16/23, 250 yards, 2 TDs — Super Bowl MVP
Max McGee (Packers WR): 7 rec, 138 yards, 2 TDs
Lionel Aldridge (Packers DE): Key defensive pressure
Curtis McClinton (Chiefs RB): Scored the AFL’s first Super Bowl touchdown
Hank Stram (Chiefs HC): First AFL coach in the Super Bowl; used innovative tactics

Legacy of Super Bowl I

Although it wasn’t called "Super Bowl I" at the time, this game laid the foundation for the modern NFL. The merger agreement between the NFL and AFL was completed in 1970, but Super Bowl I was the first true test of league parity.

Despite its historical significance, the game was not widely celebrated initially. Ratings were solid but not record-breaking, and many fans viewed it as an exhibition. Over time, it gained recognition as a pivotal moment in sports history.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl

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

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in the first Super Bowl on January 15, 1967.

Which teams played in Super Bowl I?

The Green Bay Packers (NFL) and the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL) played in the first Super Bowl.

Was it called Super Bowl I at the time?

No, it was officially called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The term "Super Bowl" became official later.

Where was the first Super Bowl held?

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

Who was the MVP of the first Super Bowl?

Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl I.

Did both TV networks broadcast Super Bowl I?

Yes, both CBS and NBC broadcast the game — CBS carried the NFL feed and NBC the AFL feed, making it the only dual-network Super Bowl.

Why was Super Bowl I important?

It validated the AFL-NFL merger, proved the AFL could compete, and launched the Super Bowl into a cultural phenomenon.