Who Won Super Bowl 1993? Cowboys Beat Bills 52-17

By Sarah Miller · November 2, 2047

The Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVII in 1993, defeating the Buffalo Bills 52–17 on January 31, 1993, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. This victory marked the Cowboys' first Super Bowl win in 15 years and was highlighted by Troy Aikman's MVP performance and a dominant defensive showing that included nine forced turnovers.

Super Bowl XXVII: Key Highlights

Super Bowl XXVII took place on January 31, 1993, marking the culmination of the 1992 NFL season. The game featured the NFC champion Dallas Cowboys against the AFC champion Buffalo Bills, who were making their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

Why This Game Was Historically Significant

This was the first Super Bowl since 1974 where a team scored over 50 points.
The Cowboys ended a 14-year championship drought, reestablishing themselves as a dynasty in the 1990s.
The Bills became the first team to lose three straight Super Bowls.
Dallas' defense set a Super Bowl record with nine takeaways, including five interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

Troy Aikman and the Offensive Dominance

Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman delivered a stellar performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. He was named Super Bowl MVP, becoming the first Cowboys player to earn the honor since Roger Staubach in Super Bowl VI.

Key Offensive Plays

Aikman connected with Michael Irvin for two touchdowns.
Alvin Harper's 45-yard touchdown reception extended the lead in the third quarter.
Emmitt Smith rushed for 108 yards and one touchdown, solidifying his role as a dual-threat back.

Defensive Masterclass: The Turnover Explosion

The Cowboys' defense overwhelmed Buffalo’s offense, capitalizing on poor decisions by Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and backup Frank Reich after Kelly was briefly injured.

Turnover Breakdown

5 interceptions thrown by Buffalo (4 by Kelly, 1 by Reich)
4 fumbles lost by the Bills
Dallas return specialist Kelvin Martin returned a fumble for a touchdown
Defensive lineman Russell Maryland recovered two fumbles

Statistic	Dallas Cowboys	Buffalo Bills
Final Score	52	17
Total Yards	436	240
Passing Yards	273	188
Rushing Yards	163	52
Turnovers	1	9
Interceptions	0	5
Fumbles Lost	1	4
Time of Possession	36:35	23:25
Third-Down Efficiency	8/14	3/12

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical dominance of the Cowboys is evident in the turnover ratio and time of possession. Buffalo’s nine giveaways directly contributed to 35 Dallas points. The Cowboys controlled the clock and limited Buffalo’s offensive rhythm, showcasing one of the most complete team performances in Super Bowl history.

Coaching Strategies and Team Impact

Under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys executed a disciplined game plan emphasizing ball control, defensive pressure, and minimizing mistakes. In contrast, the Bills struggled with execution under pressure, exposing weaknesses in their offensive line and secondary.

Long-Term Implications

Dallas went on to win Super Bowl XXVIII the following year, cementing a dynasty.
Buffalo never returned to the Super Bowl, despite remaining competitive through 1993.
Jimmy Johnson became the first coach to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl.
Troy Aikman joined Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the only quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl wins and MVP honors at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 1993

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 1993?

Troy Aikman, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 273 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XXVII?

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills 52–17 in Super Bowl XXVII, held on January 31, 1993.

Where was Super Bowl 1993 played?

Super Bowl XXVII was played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, home of UCLA and a frequent host of major football events.

How many turnovers did the Buffalo Bills have in Super Bowl 1993?

The Buffalo Bills committed nine turnovers in Super Bowl XXVII — five interceptions and four fumble recoveries — the most in Super Bowl history.

Did the Dallas Cowboys win the next Super Bowl after 1993?

Yes, the Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXVIII in 1994, defeating the Buffalo Bills again 30–13, becoming back-to-back champions.