Who Played in the First Super Bowl? Teams and Result

By Sarah Miller · October 1, 2044

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 the game 35-10, led by legendary head coach Vince Lombardi.

Overview of the First Super Bowl

The inaugural Super Bowl marked a pivotal moment in American sports history—the first meeting between champions of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). This game helped solidify the merger between the two leagues and laid the foundation for what would become the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States.

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 (NFL) and NBC (AFL)

Teams That Played in the First Super Bowl

The two teams that competed were the Green Bay Packers, winners of the 1966 NFL Championship, and the Kansas City Chiefs, champions of the 1966 AFL season. The Packers represented the established NFL powerhouse under head coach Vince Lombardi, while the Chiefs symbolized the competitive credibility of the upstart AFL.

Green Bay Packers: NFL Champions

Coached by Vince Lombardi, the Packers finished the 1966 regular season with a 12-2 record. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Championship Game to earn their spot. The team featured Hall of Famers such as quarterback Bart Starr, running back Jim Taylor, and wide receiver Max McGee.

Kansas City Chiefs: AFL Champions

Under head coach Hank Stram, the Chiefs posted an 11-2-1 record in the AFL regular season and defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFL Championship. Key players included quarterback Len Dawson, running back Curtis McClinton, and defensive lineman Buck Buchanan.

Game Highlights and Performance

The Packers took control early, leading 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Despite a strong AFL showing during the season, the Chiefs struggled offensively against Green Bay’s disciplined defense. Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, including a famous 37-yard pass to Max McGee, who had partied the night before and caught the game-winning TD despite limited preparation.

Notable Moments

Bart Starr was named Super Bowl MVP after completing 16 of 23 passes.
Max McGee scored two touchdowns, including the first receiving touchdown in Super Bowl history.
The game was broadcast simultaneously on CBS and NBC, a unique arrangement due to separate league TV contracts.
Halftime show featured performances by marching bands and the University of Arizona and University of Michigan.

Statistic	Green Bay Packers	Kansas City Chiefs
First Downs	20	17
Total Yards	382	277
Passing Yards	266	110
Rushing Yards	116	167
Turnovers	1	3
Penalties	6 (50 yards)	7 (70 yards)

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows the Packers dominated through balanced offense and ball security, converting only one turnover compared to the Chiefs’ three. Their superior passing attack overwhelmed Kansas City’s defense, which held strong on the ground but could not contain Starr’s precision throws.

Legacy and Significance

Super Bowl I validated the AFL-NFL merger and demonstrated that the AFL could compete at the highest level, even in defeat. The Chiefs' appearance proved the league's legitimacy, paving the way for future parity. Over time, the game grew into a cultural phenomenon, with halftime shows and commercials becoming as anticipated as the contest itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Played in the First Super Bowl

Who played in the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers (NFL) faced the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL) in the first Super Bowl on January 15, 1967. The Packers won 35-10.

What was the original name of the first Super Bowl?

The game was originally called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The term "Super Bowl" became official starting with Super Bowl III.

Where was the first Super Bowl held?

The first Super Bowl was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, with an attendance of 61,946 fans.

Who was the MVP of the first Super Bowl?

Bart Starr, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, was named Super Bowl I MVP after throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Did the AFL win the first Super Bowl?

No, the AFL's representative, the Kansas City Chiefs, lost to the NFL's Green Bay Packers 35-10. The first AFL victory came in Super Bowl III when the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts.