Who Won Super Bowl 43? Steelers vs Cardinals

By Sarah Miller · February 2, 2036

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl 43, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 on February 1, 2009. The game was played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, and marked the Steelers' record sixth Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl 43: A Historic Victory for the Steelers

Super Bowl 43 was one of the most thrilling championship games in NFL history. The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed their sixth Lombardi Trophy by narrowly defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in a dramatic finish. Played on February 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, this game solidified the Steelers' legacy as the most successful franchise in Super Bowl history at the time.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Steelers overcame an early 23-20 deficit in the fourth quarter.
Santonio Holmes delivered a legendary game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds remaining.
Holmes caught nine passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
The Cardinals made their first-ever Super Bowl appearance but fell just short.
Larry Fitzgerald had a spectacular 64-yard touchdown catch that gave Arizona a late lead.

Game Summary and Turning Points

Super Bowl XLIII featured two contrasting teams with unique paths to the championship. The Steelers, a storied franchise, faced the upstart Cardinals, who surprised many by reaching the big game.

First Half Momentum

Pittsburgh started strong with a 40-yard field goal by Jeff Reed. However, the Cardinals responded with a 46-yard TD pass from Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald. The Steelers regained the lead with a 5-yard run by Rashard Mendenhall, but Arizona closed the half with another Warner-to-Fitzgerald TD, making it 14-10 at halftime.

Second Half Drama

The third quarter saw both defenses tighten up. Ben Roethlisberger connected with Santonio Holmes for a 6-yard TD, giving Pittsburgh a 17-14 lead. Arizona answered with a Warner-to-Anquan Boldin TD, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The Steelers tied it with a field goal, setting up a tense final quarter.

Final Drive and Iconic Finish

With 2:37 left, Warner found Fitzgerald again on a 64-yard bomb to put Arizona ahead 23-20. The Steelers then began a now-legendary 78-yard drive. On 6 plays, Roethlisberger moved the ball downfield, culminating in a 6-yard slant route to Holmes in the back of the end zone with only 35 seconds remaining. The play is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Super Bowl history.

Statistic	Pittsburgh Steelers	Arizona Cardinals
Final Score	27	23
Total Yards	379	413
Passing Yards	279	336
Rushing Yards	100	77
Turnovers	2	2
Time of Possession	29:49	30:11
Third Down Efficiency	5/13 (38%)	5/12 (42%)
Penalties	8 (68 yards)	7 (65 yards)

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical comparison shows both teams were evenly matched, with Arizona holding a slight edge in total offense and time of possession. However, Pittsburgh's efficiency in critical moments—especially on the final drive—proved decisive. Their ability to convert under pressure and capitalize on key plays highlighted superior clutch performance.

Legacy of Super Bowl 43

Super Bowl XLIII is remembered not only for its high stakes but also for its cinematic conclusion. It was the first Super Bowl win for the Steelers since Super Bowl XXX, ending a 10-year championship drought. The victory cemented the legacy of head coach Mike Tomlin, who became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl at age 36.

Cultural Impact

The game attracted over 98 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts at the time.
The Steelers' six Super Bowl wins surpassed the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, setting a new benchmark.
Santonio Holmes' final catch is frequently replayed in highlight reels and NFL retrospectives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 43

Who won Super Bowl 43?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl 43, securing their sixth championship in franchise history.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 43?

The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 43?

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes of the Pittsburgh Steelers was named Super Bowl MVP after catching 9 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, including the game-winning score with 35 seconds left.