Who Won Super Bowl 2009? Steelers Victory Explained

By Sarah Miller · March 2, 2052

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in a thrilling contest held on February 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The victory marked the Steelers' record sixth Super Bowl title at the time.

Super Bowl XLIII Overview

Super Bowl XLIII was one of the most memorable championship games in NFL history, featuring dramatic momentum swings and clutch performances. The game pitted the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals, marking the Cardinals' first Super Bowl appearance since relocating to Arizona.

Key Game Highlights

The Steelers took an early lead, but the Cardinals rallied in the second half to take a 23-20 advantage.
Santonio Holmes made a legendary game-winning touchdown catch with 35 seconds remaining.
Larry Fitzgerald recorded two long touchdown receptions, including a 64-yard score just before halftime.
The Steelers' defense forced four turnovers, including a crucial interception by James Harrison late in the first half.

Game Statistics and Performance Analysis

Team	Total Yards	Passing Yards	Rushing Yards	Turnovers	Third Down Efficiency
Pittsburgh Steelers	379	278	101	1	6/13 (46%)
Arizona Cardinals	411	332	79	4	5/13 (38%)

Table data source:1, 2

The Steelers had fewer total yards than the Cardinals but were more efficient on third down and committed only one turnover. Arizona's four turnovers proved decisive, particularly James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return before halftime, which remains the longest play in Super Bowl history.

Key Players and MVP Performance

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was named Super Bowl MVP after recording 9 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, including the game-winning 6-yard reception in the final minute. His toe-tapping catch in the corner of the end zone is widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.

Notable Performances

Santonio Holmes (PIT): 9 receptions, 131 yards, 1 TD – MVP
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI): 7 receptions, 102 yards, 2 TDs
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): 25/40, 256 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Kurt Warner (ARI): 31/43, 377 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
James Harrison (PIT): 100-yard interception return for a TD

Historical Significance and Legacy

The Steelers' win solidified their status as the most successful franchise in Super Bowl history at the time, surpassing the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers with six titles. It also marked head coach Mike Tomlin as the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl at age 36.

For the Cardinals, it was a bittersweet milestone—their first Super Bowl appearance in over 50 years—but they have not returned to the big game since.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl XLIII (2009)

Who won Super Bowl 2009?

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl 2009, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XLIII?

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

Where was Super Bowl 2009 held?

Super Bowl XLIII was played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on February 1, 2009.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIII?

Santonio Holmes, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was named Super Bowl MVP after making nine catches for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown.