Who Won the 2008 Super Bowl? Giants Beat Patriots

By Sarah Miller · October 13, 2046

The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII, defeating the previously undefeated New England Patriots with a final score of 17-14. The game took place on February 3, 2008, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This victory marked the Giants' third Super Bowl win and is widely remembered for one of the most iconic upsets in NFL history, ending the Patriots' bid for a perfect 19-0 season.

Super Bowl XLII: A Historic Upset

Super Bowl XLII featured a matchup between the NFC champion New York Giants and the AFC champion New England Patriots. The Patriots entered the game with a 18-0 record, aiming to become the first team in NFL history to finish a season 19-0. However, the underdog Giants disrupted those plans with a dramatic 17-14 victory.

Key Highlights of the Game

The Giants executed a 12-play, 83-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Eli Manning made a legendary escape from a near-sack, leading to the "Helmet Catch" by David Tyree.
Plaxico Burress caught the game-winning touchdown with just 35 seconds remaining.
The Giants' defense held Tom Brady's offense without a touchdown until the final minutes.

Team Rosters and Key Players

Both teams featured star-studded rosters that included future Hall of Famers and Pro Bowl athletes.

New York Giants (Winners)

Eli Manning – Quarterback, Super Bowl MVP
Plaxico Burress – Wide receiver, caught winning TD
David Tyree – Known for the iconic helmet catch
Michael Strahan – Defensive leader
Justin Tuck – Dominant defensive end

New England Patriots (Runners-up)

Tom Brady – MVP-caliber season, threw for over 4,800 yards
Randy Moss – Set single-season touchdown record (23 receiving TDs)
Laurence Maroney – Starting running back
Vincent Wilfork – Anchor of the defensive line
Asante Samuel – Top cornerback

Detailed Game Statistics

Statistic	New York Giants	New England Patriots
First Downs	23	25
Total Yards	404	367
Passing Yards	251	276
Rushing Yards	153	91
Turnovers	1	2
Time of Possession	33:41	26:19
Third Down Efficiency	6/14	5/12

Table data source:1, 2

The statistics reveal that while the Patriots had more first downs and slightly better third-down efficiency, the Giants controlled the ball longer and capitalized on fewer mistakes. Their rushing advantage and ability to sustain drives were critical in neutralizing New England’s high-powered offense.

Legacy of Super Bowl XLII

Widely regarded as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played, XLII shattered expectations and cemented several legacies:

Eli Manning elevated his status from questioned QB to Super Bowl MVP and franchise legend.
The “Helmet Catch” remains one of the most replayed moments in NFL history.
The loss delayed the Patriots’ quest for dynasty recognition, though they remained elite.
The game boosted ratings and solidified the Super Bowl as must-watch television.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2008 Super Bowl

Who was named Super Bowl MVP in 2008?

Eli Manning, quarterback for the New York Giants, was named Super Bowl MVP for his clutch performance, including 255 passing yards and the game-winning touchdown pass.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XLII?

The final score was New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14.

Where was the 2008 Super Bowl held?

Super Bowl XLII was played at University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) in Glendale, Arizona.

Did the Patriots go undefeated in 2008?

No. The Patriots finished the 2007 regular season 16-0 and won their playoff games, entering Super Bowl XLII at 18-0. Their loss to the Giants gave them a final record of 18-1.

What is the 'Helmet Catch' and why is it famous?

The 'Helmet Catch' occurred when David Tyree pinned the ball against his helmet while being tackled during a crucial fourth-quarter drive. It sustained the Giants' game-winning drive and is considered one of the most improbable and memorable plays in NFL history.