Who Won Super Bowl 44? Final Score and Key Facts

By Sarah Miller · September 2, 2034

The New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl 44, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 on February 7, 2010. Quarterback Drew Brees was named MVP after leading a strategic and aggressive performance that secured the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl 44 Overview

Super Bowl 44 was the championship game of the 2009 NFL season, marking the 44th edition of the Super Bowl. It featured the New Orleans Saints from the NFC and the Indianapolis Colts from the AFC. The game took place at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and remains one of the most memorable due to its bold coaching decisions and pivotal momentum shifts.

Key Highlights

The Saints executed an onside kick to start the second half, catching the Colts off guard.
Drew Brees completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
Reggie Bush contributed significantly with key receptions and rushing plays.
The Saints' defense intercepted Peyton Manning multiple times.

Teams and Season Performance

Both teams entered the game with strong regular-season records and high expectations. The Colts finished the 2009 regular season with a 14–2 record, led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. The Saints posted a 13–3 record and dominated the NFC playoffs with decisive wins.

Saints' Path to Victory

Under head coach Sean Payton, the Saints showcased a balanced offensive attack and improved defensive consistency throughout the season. Their playoff run included victories over the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, the latter decided in overtime after a controversial finish.

Colts' Strong Campaign

The Colts were seeking their second Super Bowl title in four years. Manning threw for over 4,500 yards during the regular season and was considered the league’s most efficient passer. However, their defense struggled against mobile quarterbacks and explosive offenses—weaknesses exploited by the Saints.

Game Statistics and Analysis

Statistic	New Orleans Saints	Indianapolis Colts
First Downs	26	15
Total Yards	371	226
Passing Yards	288	224
Rushing Yards	83	2
Turnovers	1	4
Time of Possession	34:22	25:38

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical breakdown shows a dominant performance by the Saints in key areas. Their ability to control the clock (over 34 minutes) limited Peyton Manning’s opportunities. Four turnovers by the Colts—including three interceptions—proved decisive. The Saints also outperformed in rushing despite not being known as a ground-heavy team, completely shutting down the Colts’ running game with just 2 yards allowed.

MVP and Key Players

Drew Brees was unanimously named Super Bowl MVP after completing 82% of his passes—the highest completion rate in Super Bowl history at the time. His precision under pressure and leadership were instrumental.

Jameis Graham: Recorded 2 touchdown catches.
Tracy Porter: Sealed the game with a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Sean Payton: His aggressive play-calling, especially the surprise onside kick, defined the game’s turning point.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 44

Who was named MVP in Super Bowl 44?

Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 288 yards and two touchdowns with exceptional accuracy.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 44?

The New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl 44.

Where was Super Bowl 44 played?

Super Bowl 44 was held at Sun Life Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida, on February 7, 2010.

What made the Saints' onside kick significant in Super Bowl 44?

The surprise onside kick to open the second half gave the Saints excellent field position and shifted momentum decisively in their favor, becoming a defining coaching decision in Super Bowl history.