Who Won the Super Bowl in 1981? Full Recap & Facts

By Sarah Miller · December 20, 2036

The winner of the Super Bowl in 1981 was the Oakland Raiders, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV on January 25, 1981. The game took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, marking the Raiders' first championship win in franchise history and making them the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl.

Overview of Super Bowl XV

Super Bowl XV was the championship game of the 1980 NFL season and served as the culmination of one of the most competitive years in league history. Played on January 25, 1981, the matchup featured the AFC champion Oakland Raiders against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Key Details of the Game

Date: January 25, 1981
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Final Score: Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10
MVP: Jim Plunkett, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Attendance: 76,103
Halftime Show: “A Salute to New Orleans” featuring the University of Louisiana at Lafayette marching band and Al Hirt

Path to the Super Bowl

Both teams had strong postseason runs leading up to the big game.

Oakland Raiders' Playoff Journey

Wild Card Round: Defeated Houston Oilers 27-7
AFC Divisional Round: Defeated Cleveland Browns 14-12
AFC Championship: Defeated San Diego Chargers 34-27

Philadelphia Eagles' Playoff Journey

NFC Divisional Round: Defeated Minnesota Vikings 31-16
NFC Championship: Defeated Dallas Cowboys 20-7

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The Raiders jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Starting quarterback Jim Plunkett threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. Cliff Branch was a standout receiver, catching two touchdown passes.

The Eagles struggled offensively throughout the game, with quarterback Ron Jaworski throwing three interceptions. The Raiders’ defense, led by linebacker Rod Martin—who recorded three interceptions—played a pivotal role in securing the victory.

Statistic	Oakland Raiders	Philadelphia Eagles
First Downs	20	14
Total Yards	341	289
Passing Yards	261	246
Rushing Yards	80	43
Turnovers	2	4
Interceptions Thrown	1	3
Fumbles Lost	1	1
Time of Possession	27:52	32:08

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical analysis shows that despite the Eagles holding the ball longer, the Raiders were more efficient on offense and dominated in turnover margin. Three interceptions by Ron Jaworski severely hampered Philadelphia’s scoring chances, while Oakland capitalized on key drives. The Raiders’ ability to convert passing plays into touchdowns was decisive.

Legacy of Super Bowl XV

Super Bowl XV is remembered for several historic milestones:

The Raiders became the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl.
Jim Plunkett became the first Latino quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.
The victory solidified the Raiders’ reputation as a resilient and opportunistic team.
It marked the beginning of the team’s golden era under owner Al Davis.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1981 Super Bowl

Who won the Super Bowl in 1981?

The Oakland Raiders won Super Bowl XV in 1981 by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10.

Where was the 1981 Super Bowl held?

Super Bowl XV was played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 25, 1981.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XV?

Quarterback Jim Plunkett of the Oakland Raiders was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

Were there any records set during Super Bowl XV?

Yes. The Raiders became the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. Additionally, Jim Plunkett became the first Latino quarterback to win a Super Bowl as a starter.

How did the Raiders reach the Super Bowl in 1981?

The Raiders entered the playoffs as a wild card team. They defeated the Houston Oilers, Cleveland Browns, and San Diego Chargers in consecutive playoff games to win the AFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl XV.