Who Played in the First Super Bowl Game?

By Sarah Miller · February 7, 2043

The first Super Bowl game was played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers on January 15, 1967. The Green Bay Packers, led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi, defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Understanding the First Super Bowl Game

The inaugural Super Bowl, officially known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game at the time, marked a historic moment in American sports history. It was the first meeting between the champions of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL), setting the stage for what would become the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States.

Background and Significance

The game emerged from the 1966 merger agreement between the NFL and AFL.
It aimed to determine the true champion of professional football.
The term "Super Bowl" was not officially used until Super Bowl III.
This game laid the foundation for the modern NFL structure.

The Teams: Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Two powerhouse teams represented their leagues in this landmark contest. The Green Bay Packers were the dominant NFL team of the era, while the Kansas City Chiefs were the AFL champions.

Green Bay Packers Overview

Coached by Vince Lombardi, one of the most iconic figures in football history.
NFL Champions after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the 1966 NFL Championship Game.
Known for their disciplined play and strong defense.
Featured Hall of Famers such as Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, and Willie Davis.

Kansas City Chiefs Overview

Coached by Hank Stram, a pioneering figure in AFL coaching.
AFL Champions after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the 1966 AFL Championship.
Relied on a balanced offense and aggressive defense.
Key players included Len Dawson, Buck Buchanan, and Curley Johnson.

Game Details and Key Moments

The game took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with an attendance of 61,946 fans. Despite being billed as a potential mismatch, the game had competitive moments early before the Packers pulled away.

Notable Highlights

Bart Starr threw two touchdown passes in the second half.
Max McGee scored two touchdowns, including one on his first catch of the season.
Jim Taylor added a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
The Packers' defense forced five turnovers, including three interceptions.

Category	Green Bay Packers	Kansas City Chiefs
Final Score	35	10
First Downs	19	15
Total Yards	374	277
Rushing Yards	111	52
Passing Yards	263	225
Turnovers	3	5
Penalties-Yards	6-50	8-73
Time of Possession	35:48	24:12

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows that the Packers controlled the game through superior time of possession and defensive pressure. Their ability to limit the Chiefs' rushing attack and capitalize on turnovers was decisive. Despite the Chiefs gaining decent passing yardage, they struggled to sustain drives due to penalties and lost possessions.

Legacy of Super Bowl I

Though broadcast on two networks and not considered a sellout at the time, Super Bowl I has since been recognized as a pivotal event in sports history. It validated the AFL-NFL merger and demonstrated the potential of professional football as a national spectacle.

Cultural Impact

Set the precedent for future Super Bowls with halftime shows and high-profile advertising.
Helped elevate the NFL into a dominant cultural force.
Introduced the concept of a championship game between rival leagues.
Paved the way for expansion and realignment in professional football.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl Game

Who won the first Super Bowl game?

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

When and where was the first Super Bowl played?

The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.

What was the original name of the first Super Bowl?

The original name was the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The term "Super Bowl" became official later, 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 of the first Super Bowl for his leadership and two second-half touchdown passes.

Were there commercials during the first Super Bowl?

Yes, there were commercials during the first Super Bowl. NBC and CBS both broadcast the game, and ad slots cost between $42,000 and $75,000 for a 30-second spot, which was among the highest rates at the time.

How many people watched the first Super Bowl?

An estimated 51.7 million viewers watched the first Super Bowl on television across the two networks (NBC and CBS), while 61,946 attended in person at the stadium.