Who Won Super Bowl 13? Steelers Beat Cowboys 35-31

By Sarah Miller · May 27, 2034

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl 13, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 35-31 on January 21, 1979. This victory marked their third Super Bowl title in five years and made them the first team in NFL history to win three championships during that span. Terry Bradshaw was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 318 yards and four touchdowns.

Overview of Super Bowl 13

Super Bowl 13 was a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. Played at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, it remains one of the most memorable games in NFL history due to its high scoring, dramatic momentum swings, and legendary performances.

Key Highlights

First Super Bowl to feature two teams with identical regular-season records (12–4)
Only Super Bowl where both teams scored over 30 points until Super Bowl 50
Pittsburgh became the first franchise to win three Super Bowls
Terry Bradshaw became the first quarterback to earn multiple Super Bowl MVP awards

Game Summary

The game was a back-and-forth battle, showcasing elite offensive firepower from both sides. The Steelers built an early lead, but the Cowboys fought back aggressively in the second half, briefly taking the lead before Pittsburgh responded decisively.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Quarter	Pittsburgh Steelers	Dallas Cowboys
1st	14	7
2nd	7	13
3rd	7	3
4th	7	8
Final Score	35	31

Table data source:1, 2

The scoring distribution shows Pittsburgh's strong start and ability to close games under pressure. Despite trailing in the fourth quarter, the Steelers executed a critical touchdown drive led by Terry Bradshaw, culminating in a 45-yard pass to John Stallworth. Dallas outscored Pittsburgh in the second and fourth quarters but couldn't overcome early deficits or key turnovers.

Star Performances

Several players delivered standout performances that shaped the outcome of Super Bowl 13.

Terry Bradshaw – Super Bowl MVP

Bradshaw threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer. His 72-yard touchdown pass to John Stallworth gave Pittsburgh a crucial score, while his leadership guided the team through intense pressure.

Other Key Contributors

John Stallworth: 4 receptions, 115 yards, 2 touchdowns
Lynn Swann: 5 receptions, 79 yards
Jack Lambert: Dominant defensive presence despite missing part of the season
Randy White (Cowboys): Strong two-way effort on defense
Tony Dorsett (Cowboys): 62 rushing yards and a touchdown

Historical Significance

Super Bowl 13 solidified the Steelers' dynasty of the 1970s and intensified the storied rivalry between Pittsburgh and Dallas, which had already met in Super Bowl X.

Legacy of the 1978 Steelers

First team to win three Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII)
Part of a golden era featuring Hall of Famers like Bradshaw, Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Franco Harris
Set the standard for future NFL dynasties including the 49ers, Patriots, and Chiefs

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 13

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 13?

Terry Bradshaw, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was named Super Bowl MVP. He passed for 318 yards and four touchdowns, leading his team to a 35-31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 13?

The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31. It was one of the highest-scoring and most competitive Super Bowls up to that point in history.

When and where was Super Bowl 13 played?

Super Bowl 13 took place on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. This venue hosted multiple early Super Bowls due to its warm climate and large capacity.

How many times have the Steelers won the Super Bowl?

As of 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers have won six Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL, XLIII), tied for the most in NFL history alongside the New England Patriots.

Did the Cowboys ever win a Super Bowl in the 1970s?

No, although the Dallas Cowboys reached Super Bowls V, X, and XIII in the 1970s, they only won Super Bowl VI (1972 season), defeating the Miami Dolphins 24–3. Their next championship came in the 1990s with victories in Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.