Who Won the 1987 Super Bowl? Giants Beat Broncos 39-20

By Sarah Miller · May 18, 2052

The New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI, defeating the Denver Broncos 39-20 on January 25, 1987, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Quarterback Phil Simms was named MVP after completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

Super Bowl XXI: A Historic Victory for the New York Giants

Super Bowl XXI marked a turning point for the New York Giants, securing their first-ever Super Bowl championship in franchise history. Played on January 25, 1987, the game showcased dominant offensive performance and strategic execution under head coach Bill Parcells. The Giants' victory over the Denver Broncos solidified their place among NFL elite teams and launched a new era of success for the organization.

Key Highlights from the Game

The Giants built a commanding 34-13 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Phil Simms set a Super Bowl record with an 88% completion rate (22 of 25).
Running back Joe Morris scored two rushing touchdowns.
The Giants’ defense held Denver’s high-powered offense, led by John Elway, to just 20 points.
This was the first Super Bowl appearance for both teams since their founding.

Team Breakdown: Giants vs. Broncos

Both teams entered Super Bowl XXI with strong regular-season records and playoff momentum. The matchup featured contrasting styles: the disciplined, balanced attack of the Giants versus the explosive, quarterback-driven offense of the Broncos.

Regular Season and Playoff Paths

New York Giants: Finished the 1986 season with a 14-2 record, winning the NFC East. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins in the playoffs.
Denver Broncos: Posted an 11-5 record, winning the AFC West. They advanced by beating the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Championship via the "The Drive" comeback.

Category	New York Giants	Denver Broncos
Head Coach	Bill Parcells	Dan Reeves
Regular Season Record	14–2	11–5
Points Scored (Regular Season)	418	433
Points Allowed (Regular Season)	284	353
Super Bowl Final Score	39	20
Passing Yards (Game)	268 (Simms)	385 (Elway)
Rushing Yards (Game)	104	88
Turnovers	1	2

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while John Elway threw for more yards, the Giants were more efficient, especially in ball security and red zone scoring. Phil Simms’ near-perfect passing accuracy contrasted with Denver’s two costly turnovers, which proved decisive in the outcome.

Phil Simms: The MVP Performance of a Lifetime

Phil Simms delivered one of the most accurate passing performances in Super Bowl history. His 22 completions on 25 attempts (88%) remained a Super Bowl record for decades. He connected with eight different receivers, demonstrating the Giants’ balanced offensive approach.

Why Simms Earned MVP

Threw three touchdown passes with no interceptions.
Made critical throws on third downs, sustaining long drives.
Led the Giants to six scoring drives out of ten possessions.
His composure under pressure neutralized Denver’s defensive strategies.

Legacy of Super Bowl XXI

Super Bowl XXI was not only a franchise-defining moment for the Giants but also a cultural milestone. It was the first Super Bowl broadcast in high definition as a test, and it drew over 85 million viewers. The win elevated Bill Parcells and Phil Simms into national prominence and laid the foundation for future success, including another Super Bowl win in 1991.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Won the 1987 Super Bowl

Who won Super Bowl XXI in 1987?

The New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI, defeating the Denver Broncos 39-20 on January 25, 1987.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 21?

The final score was New York Giants 39, Denver Broncos 20.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XXI?

Quarterback Phil Simms of the New York Giants was named Super Bowl MVP after completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

Where was Super Bowl 21 played?

Super Bowl XXI was played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Did John Elway win a Super Bowl in 1987?

No, John Elway did not win Super Bowl XXI. His Denver Broncos lost to the New York Giants. Elway would later win back-to-back Super Bowls in 1998 and 1999.