Who Played in the Super Bowl in 2007? Full Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · October 23, 2032

The Super Bowl in 2007, officially known as Super Bowl XLI, featured the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears. The game took place on February 4, 2007, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Indianapolis Colts, led by quarterback Peyton Manning, defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 to win their first Super Bowl since relocating to Indianapolis.

Overview of Super Bowl XLI

Super Bowl XLI was a historic matchup between two iconic NFL franchises: the Indianapolis Colts from the AFC and the Chicago Bears from the NFC. It marked the first time the Colts reached the Super Bowl since 1999 and the Bears' first appearance since 1985, when they won Super Bowl XX.

Key Details

Date: February 4, 2007
Location: Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Final Score: Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago Bears 17
MVP: Peyton Manning, Quarterback (Colts)
Attendance: 74,059

Team Rosters and Key Players

Both teams entered the game with strong rosters shaped by standout performances throughout the 2006 season.

Indianapolis Colts

Coached by Tony Dungy, the Colts were led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. Their victory was fueled by a balanced attack despite adverse weather conditions.

Peyton Manning – QB
Joseph Addai – RB
Marvin Harrison – WR
Reggie Wayne – WR
Dwight Freeney – DE
Bob Sanders – S

Chicago Bears

The Bears, coached by Lovie Smith, boasted one of the league's top defenses and a dynamic rushing offense powered by running back Thomas Jones and rookie sensation Devin Hester.

Rex Grossman – QB
Thomas Jones – RB
Devin Hester – KR/PR
Brian Urlacher – LB
Charles Tillman – CB
Adewale Ogunleye – DE

Game Highlights and Turning Points

Super Bowl XLI was notable for being the first outdoor Super Bowl played in rain. Despite slippery conditions, the game delivered dramatic moments.

Devin Hester's Opening Touchdown: On the first play from scrimmage, Hester returned the kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown—the fastest score in Super Bowl history at the time.
Peyton Manning’s Redemption: After criticism over playoff underperformance, Manning led a methodical offense and threw for 247 yards and 1 touchdown.
Joseph Addai’s Game-Sealing Touchdown: With just over 3 minutes left, Addai ran 3 yards for a touchdown, securing the win.

Statistic	Indianapolis Colts	Chicago Bears
First Downs	23	15
Total Yards	377	257
Passing Yards	279	186
Rushing Yards	98	71
Turnovers	2	3
Time of Possession	34:31	25:29

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows the Colts controlled the ball longer and generated more offensive production. Their ability to sustain drives and limit mistakes was critical in rainy conditions. The Bears struggled to maintain offensive rhythm after their early spark, turning the ball over three times compared to two for Indianapolis.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Super Bowl XLI carried emotional weight beyond the field. Coaches Tony Dungy (Colts) and Lovie Smith (Bears) made history as the first African American head coaches to lead teams to the Super Bowl. Dungy’s victory also came shortly after the tragic death of his son, making the win deeply personal.

NFL Legacy

This was the Colts’ first Super Bowl win since moving to Indianapolis in 1984.
Peyton Manning cemented his legacy with his first championship, later winning a second with the Broncos in 2016.
The game highlighted the importance of coaching diversity in professional sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl XLI (2007)

Who won Super Bowl 2007?

The Indianapolis Colts won Super Bowl XLI in 2007, defeating the Chicago Bears 29-17. It was the franchise's first Super Bowl victory since relocating to Indianapolis.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XLI?

Peyton Manning was named Super Bowl MVP after completing 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown, leading the Colts to victory in challenging weather conditions.

Where was Super Bowl 2007 held?

Super Bowl XLI was held at Dolphin Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida, on February 4, 2007.

Did it rain during Super Bowl XLI?

Yes, Super Bowl XLI was the first outdoor Super Bowl to be played in the rain. Persistent downpour affected traction and ball handling but did not stop the game.

Why was Super Bowl XLI historically significant for coaching?

It was the first Super Bowl featuring two African American head coaches: Tony Dungy of the Colts and Lovie Smith of the Bears, marking a milestone for diversity in NFL leadership.