Who Played in the First Super Bowl Game?

By Sarah Miller · December 27, 2031

The first Super Bowl game was played between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs 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

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), following the announcement of the two leagues' merger in 1966.

Key Facts About Super Bowl I

Date: January 15, 1967
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Teams: Green Bay Packers (NFL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (AFL)
Final Score: Packers 35, Chiefs 10
MVP: Bart Starr, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers
Attendance: 61,946
Broadcast Networks: CBS and NBC (first dual-network broadcast in U.S. history)

The Teams That Made History

The Green Bay Packers entered the game as heavy favorites. Coming off consecutive NFL championships, they were coached by Vince Lombardi and led by quarterback Bart Starr. The Kansas City Chiefs represented the AFL, having won the 1966 AFL Championship under head coach Hank Stram.

Green Bay Packers: NFL Champions

Record: 12-2 (1966 regular season)
NFL Champions after defeating Dallas Cowboys in the title game
Known for disciplined play, strong defense, and precise execution

Kansas City Chiefs: AFL Champions

Record: 11-2-1 (1966 regular season)
AFL Champions after defeating Buffalo Bills 31-7
Featured star running back Curtis McClinton and linebacker Bobby Bell

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The Packers took control early, leading 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Bart Starr threw two touchdown passes, one to Max McGee and another to Boyd Dowler. McGee, who had not expected to play significantly, scored two touchdowns and finished with seven receptions for 138 yards.

Second-Half Dominance

Packers outscored the Chiefs 21-3 in the second half
Jim Taylor added a rushing touchdown
Green Bay's defense forced five turnovers
Willie Wood’s interception late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory

Statistic	Green Bay Packers	Kansas City Chiefs
First Downs	20	17
Total Yards	382	279
Rushing Yards	124	97
Passing Yards	258	182
Turnovers	2	5
Penalties	7-50 yards	8-73 yards
Time of Possession	33:20	26:40

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical advantage for Green Bay was clear in turnover margin and time of possession. Their ability to protect the ball and sustain drives overwhelmed the Chiefs, especially in the second half. The five turnovers committed by Kansas City were critical in shifting momentum.

Legacy of Super Bowl I

Though it didn’t carry the massive cultural weight of modern Super Bowls, the first game laid the foundation for what would become the biggest annual sporting event in the United States. Over time, the term 'Super Bowl' became official, replacing the original 'AFL-NFL World Championship Game' by Super Bowl III.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Set the precedent for future inter-league competition
Validated the AFL as a legitimate league despite the lopsided score
Paved the way for the full NFL-AFL merger in 1970
Introduced national audiences to stars like Len Dawson and Bart Starr

Frequently Asked Questions About the First Super Bowl

Who played in the first Super Bowl?

The first Super Bowl featured the Green Bay Packers (NFL champions) against the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL champions) on January 15, 1967.

What was the final score of the first Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 35-10.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl I?

Bart Starr, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, was named Most Valuable Player after throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Where was the first Super Bowl held?

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

Why was the first Super Bowl not called 'Super Bowl I' originally?

The game was initially called the 'AFL-NFL World Championship Game.' The name 'Super Bowl' was coined informally and later adopted officially due to its popularity.