Who Won the 1979 Super Bowl? Steelers Victory Explained

By Sarah Miller · April 5, 2053

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the 1979 Super Bowl, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 31-19 in Super Bowl XIV. Held on January 20, 1980, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, this victory marked the Steelers' fourth Super Bowl title in six years, cementing their status as the dominant team of the 1970s.

Overview of Super Bowl XIV

Super Bowl XIV was the championship game of the 1979 NFL season and took place on January 20, 1980. The matchup featured the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the NFC champion Los Angeles Rams. It was a historic contest not only because of the Steelers' pursuit of a record-setting fourth Super Bowl win but also due to its dramatic back-and-forth nature.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Steelers became the first NFL team to win four Super Bowls.
Quarterback Terry Bradshaw delivered a decisive performance, throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns.
Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo became the first player to lead his team to the Super Bowl in his first postseason appearance.
The game was the first Super Bowl to sell out in advance, reflecting growing national interest.
Running back Franco Harris rushed for 158 yards, a Super Bowl record at the time.

Team Backgrounds Leading into the Game

Both teams entered Super Bowl XIV with contrasting paths to the championship.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A Dynasty in Motion

The Steelers had already claimed Super Bowl victories in 1975 (IX), 1976 (X), and 1979 (XIII). Led by head coach Chuck Noll and a formidable defense known as the "Steel Curtain," they were seeking to become the first franchise to win four Super Bowls. Their offense, powered by Bradshaw, Harris, Lynn Swann, and John Stallworth, was balanced and explosive.

Los Angeles Rams: An Underdog Story

The Rams finished the regular season 9-7, the worst record ever for a Super Bowl team at that time. However, they caught fire in the playoffs, defeating the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to reach the big game. Their underdog run captured national attention, though they ultimately fell short against Pittsburgh’s experience and depth.

Game Statistics and Performance Analysis

Statistic	Pittsburgh Steelers	Los Angeles Rams
First Downs	23	17
Total Yards	429	339
Passing Yards	309	286
Rushing Yards	120	53
Turnovers	2	3
Time of Possession	33:58	26:02
Third Down Efficiency	7/14	5/12

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge clearly favored the Steelers, who controlled the clock and converted efficiently on third downs. Their rushing attack, led by Franco Harris, overwhelmed the Rams’ defensive line, while Terry Bradshaw's aerial assault kept Los Angeles off balance. Despite three turnovers, Pittsburgh’s overall execution proved superior.

MVP and Legacy of Super Bowl XIV

Terry Bradshaw was named Super Bowl MVP after completing 14 of 21 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial 73-yard strike to wide receiver Lynn Swann. His leadership and poise under pressure defined the Steelers’ triumph.

This victory solidified the Steelers’ legacy as the premier team of the 1970s and established a benchmark for future dynasties. The 1979 Super Bowl win remains a landmark moment in NFL history, symbolizing excellence, resilience, and team cohesion.