Who Won the Super Bowl in 1976? Steelers Victory

By Sarah Miller · April 12, 2042

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl X, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 on January 18, 1976. This victory marked their second consecutive Super Bowl win and solidified their status as a dominant NFL team in the 1970s.

Super Bowl X: The Key Details

Super Bowl X was played at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, and featured a matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC champions) and the Dallas Cowboys (NFC champions). It was a hard-fought game that showcased some of the era's greatest players and coaches.

Game Summary

Date: January 18, 1976
Location: Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17
MVP: Lynn Swann, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
Attendance: 80,997
Halftime Show: “20 Years of Motown” featuring The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and others

Lynn Swann’s Historic Performance

Lynn Swann was named Super Bowl MVP after recording 4 receptions for 161 yards and 1 touchdown. His acrobatic catches became iconic and set a precedent for future wide receivers in big games.

Swann’s Receiving Stats

Receptions: 4
Yards: 161 (a Super Bowl record at the time)
Longest catch: 53 yards
Touchdown: 1 (64-yard reception)

This performance made Swann the first wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP honors.

Steelers’ Road to Dominance

The 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers finished the regular season with a 12–2 record, securing the AFC Central title. Under head coach Chuck Noll, they defeated the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game before facing Dallas in the Super Bowl.

Why the Steelers Won

Strong defensive play from the “Steel Curtain” defense
Clutch performances by Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris
Special teams and field position advantages
Experience from winning Super Bowl IX the previous year

Player	Team	Passing Yards	Rushing Yards	Receiving Yards	TDs
Terry Bradshaw	Steelers	96	14	0	1
Roy Gerela	Steelers	0	0	0	3 (FG)
Lynn Swann	Steelers	0	0	161	1
Franco Harris	Steelers	0	158	15	1
Roger Staubach	Cowboys	225	36	0	2
Golden Richards	Cowboys	0	0	88	1

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights key player performances, showing how the Steelers balanced strong rushing (Harris) with explosive passing (Swann), while the Cowboys relied more on Staubach’s arm. Despite lower passing yardage, Pittsburgh’s efficiency and special teams (three field goals by Gerela) proved decisive.

Legacy of Super Bowl X

Super Bowl X was pivotal in establishing the Steelers as a dynasty. Their win in 1976 was the second of four Super Bowl victories in six years (IX, X, XIII, XIV), making them the first team to achieve that feat.

Historical Significance

First Super Bowl where a wide receiver won MVP
Marked the rise of national superstar athletes in the NFL
Increased popularity of the NFL in the late 1970s
Set the stage for future Steelers-Cowboys matchups in Super Bowls XIII and XXX

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Won the Super Bowl in 1976

Who won the Super Bowl in 1976?

The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl X on January 18, 1976, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 21–17.

What was the final score of Super Bowl X?

The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 1976?

Lynn Swann, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was named Super Bowl MVP after recording 161 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Where was Super Bowl X played?

Super Bowl X was held at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.

Was Super Bowl X the Steelers’ first championship?

No, it was their second consecutive Super Bowl win. They also won Super Bowl IX in 1975, making them the first AFC team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.