Who Won the 2011 Super Bowl? Packers Beat Steelers 31-25

By Sarah Miller · February 15, 2048

The Green Bay Packers won the 2011 Super Bowl, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV. The game took place on February 6, 2011, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns.

Overview of Super Bowl XLV

Super Bowl XLV marked the championship finale of the 2010 NFL season. Held on February 6, 2011, the game featured a matchup between the Green Bay Packers (NFC Champions) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC Champions). The Packers emerged victorious with a final score of 31-25, securing their fourth Super Bowl title in franchise history.

Key Highlights from the Game

The Packers overcame an early 14-point deficit to take control of the game.
Aaron Rodgers delivered a standout performance, completing 30 of 42 passes.
The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger played through injury but struggled under pressure.
Green Bay's defense recorded three sacks and forced key turnovers late in the game.
The game drew over 106 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history at the time.

Team Backgrounds Leading into the Game

Both teams entered Super Bowl XLV with strong playoff runs and storied legacies:

Green Bay Packers (NFC)

Finished the regular season 10-6, qualifying as a wildcard team.
Became the first NFC sixth seed to win the Super Bowl.
Coached by Mike McCarthy, who emphasized offensive consistency and defensive discipline.
Aaron Rodgers solidified his status as an elite quarterback during the postseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC)

Finished the regular season 12-4, winning the AFC North.
Advanced to their third Super Bowl appearance in six years.
Known for their balanced offense and aggressive defense led by Troy Polamalu and James Harrison.
Sought to become the first team to win six Super Bowls.

MVP Performance: Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers was unanimously named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Packers' offense with precision and composure. His stat line included 304 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Rodgers’ Key Stats in Super Bowl XLV

30 of 42 pass completions (71.4% completion rate)
Passer rating of 111.5
Longest completion: 45 yards
Zero sacks taken despite heavy Steelers pass rush

Statistic	Aaron Rodgers	Ben Roethlisberger
Completions-Attempts	30-42	25-40
Passing Yards	304	262
Touchdowns	3	1
Interceptions	0	1
Passer Rating	111.5	75.4
Sacks Taken	0	3

Table data source:1, 2

The table above illustrates the stark contrast in quarterback efficiency. Rodgers outperformed Roethlisberger in every major passing category. His ability to avoid sacks and maintain accuracy under pressure was pivotal in securing the win.

Venue and Viewership

Super Bowl XLV was held at Cowboys Stadium (now AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas—the first Super Bowl hosted in North Texas since 2000. The stadium's retractable roof was closed due to cold weather, creating an optimal indoor environment.

Total attendance: 103,219
Estimated U.S. television audience: 111 million
Ad rates for 30-second spots averaged $3 million
The halftime show featured The Black Eyed Peas, Slash, and Usher

Legacy of Super Bowl XLV

The Packers' victory reaffirmed their resurgence as a powerhouse franchise following a period of rebuilding in the late 2000s. For Rodgers, the win marked his first Super Bowl title and cemented his place among the league’s top quarterbacks.

For the Steelers, the loss delayed their pursuit of a seventh Super Bowl title. However, their consistent excellence kept them competitive throughout the decade.

This game also highlighted the importance of offensive line protection and quarterback mobility in high-pressure situations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2011 Super Bowl

Who won the 2011 Super Bowl?

The Green Bay Packers won the 2011 Super Bowl (Super Bowl XLV), defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XLV?

The final score was Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25.

Where was the 2011 Super Bowl held?

It was held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XLV?

Aaron Rodgers, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns.

Was the 2011 Super Bowl a close game?

Yes, the game was competitive throughout. The Packers led 21-17 at halftime and maintained a narrow lead in the second half, with the outcome undecided until the final minutes.