Who Won the 2010 Super Bowl? Saints Beat Colts 31-17

By Sarah Miller · February 11, 2045

The New Orleans Saints won the 2010 Super Bowl (Super Bowl XLIV), defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. The game took place on February 7, 2010, at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Quarterback Drew Brees was named Super Bowl MVP for his outstanding performance.

What Was Super Bowl XLIV?

Super Bowl XLIV was the championship game of the National Football League's 2009 season. It featured a matchup between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New Orleans Saints. This was the first Super Bowl appearance for the Saints in their 43-year franchise history.

Key Game Facts

Date: February 7, 2010
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Final Score: New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17
MVP: Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
Attendance: 74,058
Broadcast Network: CBS

Drew Brees and the Saints' Historic Victory

The 2010 Super Bowl win marked a turning point for the New Orleans Saints franchise and the city of New Orleans, still recovering from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Led by quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints delivered a resilient performance against one of the league’s top teams.

Why This Win Was Significant

First Super Bowl victory in franchise history
Saints became the second team to win three road playoff games en route to a Super Bowl title
Symbolic redemption for the Gulf Coast region post-Katrina
Drew Brees completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns

Game-Changing Moments

Several pivotal plays defined Super Bowl XLIV:

Jarrett Boykin's Onside Kick Recovery: Early in the second half, the Saints executed an unexpected onside kick, recovered by Chris Reis, shifting momentum dramatically.
Tracy Porter's Interception Return: With just over three minutes remaining, cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted Peyton Manning and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown, sealing the victory.
Fourth-Quarter Defense: The Saints defense held strong against multiple scoring threats from the Colts, including two interceptions of Peyton Manning.

Statistic	New Orleans Saints	Indianapolis Colts
First Downs	26	20
Total Yards	371	363
Passing Yards	288	320
Rushing Yards	83	43
Turnovers	1	4
Time of Possession	34:22	25:38
Third Down Efficiency	10/17	5/12

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge favored the Saints in key areas such as turnover margin and time of possession. Despite Peyton Manning's 320 passing yards, the Colts' four turnovers—especially two critical interceptions in the fourth quarter—proved decisive. The Saints’ ability to sustain drives helped them control the clock and limit Indianapolis' offensive opportunities.

Player Highlights and Legacy

Drew Brees’ performance solidified his status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. His 32 completions tied a Super Bowl record at the time. Head coach Sean Payton’s bold decision to open the second half with an onside kick is now considered one of the most daring and effective calls in Super Bowl history.

Notable Performers

Drew Brees: 32/39, 288 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs — Super Bowl MVP
Tracy Porter: 74-yard interception return for touchdown
Peyton Manning: 31/45, 320 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Marques Colston: 7 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2010 Super Bowl

Who won Super Bowl 2010?

The New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl 2010, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010.

Where was Super Bowl XLIV held?

Super Bowl XLIV was played at Sun Life Stadium (now Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Who was the MVP of Super Bowl 2010?

Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions.

How many points did the Saints score in Super Bowl XLIV?

The New Orleans Saints scored 31 points in Super Bowl XLIV, the highest total by an NFC team in a Super Bowl up to that point.

Did Peyton Manning play in Super Bowl 2010?

Yes, Peyton Manning was the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 2010. He threw for 320 yards and one touchdown but had two crucial interceptions in the fourth quarter.