Who Won Super Bowl 1985? Full Recap & Highlights

By Sarah Miller · January 24, 2054

The winner of Super Bowl XIX was the San Francisco 49ers, who defeated the Miami Dolphins 38-16 on January 20, 1985, at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Quarterback Joe Montana was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns.

Overview of Super Bowl XIX

Super Bowl XIX marked a pivotal moment in NFL history, showcasing one of the league's most dominant offensive performances against a top-ranked defense. Played on January 20, 1985, the game featured the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and the AFC champion Miami Dolphins. The 49ers emerged victorious with a final score of 38-16, securing their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

Key Highlights

Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
Date: January 20, 1985
Final Score: San Francisco 49ers 38, Miami Dolphins 16
Super Bowl MVP: Joe Montana (QB, 49ers)
Attendance: 84,059
Halftime Show: “Beat of the Future” featuring Earth, Wind & Fire

Team Backgrounds and Road to the Super Bowl

Both teams entered Super Bowl XIX with strong records and contrasting styles. The 49ers finished the regular season with a 15-1 record, led by head coach Bill Walsh and quarterback Joe Montana. The Dolphins, coached by Don Shula, posted a 14-2 record and boasted the league’s top-ranked defense.

NFC Champions: San Francisco 49ers

Regular Season Record: 15-1
NFC West Division Champions
Playoff Wins: Defeated Chicago Bears (23-0), then Detroit Lions (24-23)
Offensive Strength: Ranked #1 in total offense

AFC Champions: Miami Dolphins

Regular Season Record: 14-2
AFC East Division Champions
Playoff Wins: Defeated Pittsburgh Steelers (45-28), then Seattle Seahawks (34-13)
Defensive Strength: Ranked #1 in total defense

Game Analysis and Key Performances

The matchup was billed as “The Greatest Show on Turf vs. The No-Name Defense,” but the 49ers' precision offense dismantled Miami’s vaunted defense. Joe Montana delivered a masterclass performance, completing 24 of 35 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors.

Joe Montana’s MVP Performance

Passing Yards: 331
Touchdowns: 3
Interceptions: 1
Passer Rating: 131.1
Longest Completion: 74-yard TD to Jerry Rice (rookie year)

Running Game Impact

While Montana shone, running back Roger Craig also played a crucial role, becoming the first player in Super Bowl history to record both a rushing and a receiving touchdown in the same game.

Player	Team	Rushing Yards	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns
Roger Craig	SF 49ers	58	101	2
Tony Nathan	MIA Dolphins	50	52	2
Carlton Dillard	MIA Dolphins	25	0	1
Jerry Rice	SF 49ers	0	118	1

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights dual-threat performances from key players, especially Roger Craig and Tony Nathan. Craig’s all-around impact underscored the 49ers’ balanced attack, while Nathan accounted for both Dolphin touchdowns. Despite Miami’s defensive strength, they were unable to contain San Francisco’s multi-dimensional offense.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Super Bowl XIX solidified Joe Montana’s status as a premier quarterback and validated Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense on the biggest stage. It was also notable for being the first Super Bowl held in a cold-weather, non-dome stadium since Super Bowl XI, though Stanford Stadium provided a mild climate.

Additionally, this game marked the beginning of Jerry Rice’s legendary postseason career, even as a rookie. His 74-yard touchdown reception remains one of the longest in Super Bowl history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 1985

Who won Super Bowl 1985?

The San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowl 1985, defeating the Miami Dolphins 38-16 on January 20, 1985.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XIX?

The final score of Super Bowl XIX was San Francisco 49ers 38, Miami Dolphins 16.

Where was Super Bowl 1985 played?

Super Bowl 1985 was played at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California, making it the first Super Bowl hosted on a university campus.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XIX?

Joe Montana, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns.

Did Dan Marino win Super Bowl 1985?

No, Dan Marino did not win Super Bowl 1985. He played for the Miami Dolphins, who lost to the 49ers. This was Marino’s only Super Bowl appearance, and he never won a championship during his Hall of Fame career.