Who Won the Super Bowl in 1988? Full Recap & Stats

By Sarah Miller · July 30, 2044

The winner of Super Bowl XXII in 1988 was the Washington Redskins, who defeated the Denver Broncos 42–10 on January 31, 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Quarterback Doug Williams delivered a historic performance, becoming the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and earning MVP honors after throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns in the second quarter alone.

Super Bowl XXII: A Historic Victory

Super Bowl XXII marked a turning point in NFL history, not only due to the lopsided score but also because of its cultural significance. The Washington Redskins' dominant performance, especially in the second quarter, set multiple records and solidified Doug Williams' legacy as a trailblazer in professional football.

Key Highlights of the Game

Washington scored 35 points in the second quarter, an NFL record for most points in a single quarter during a Super Bowl.
Doug Williams became the first African American quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl.
The Redskins accumulated over 600 total yards of offense, a Super Bowl record at the time.
Head coach Joe Gibbs secured his second Super Bowl victory with Washington.

Doug Williams: Breaking Barriers

Doug Williams' performance transcended sports. His selection as Super Bowl MVP shattered long-standing racial barriers in the quarterback position, inspiring generations of future athletes. Despite being benched earlier in the season, Williams started due to an injury to starter Jay Schroeder and seized the moment with one of the greatest individual performances in Super Bowl history.

Why Was Williams' Win So Significant?

Representation: As the first Black QB to win a Super Bowl, he challenged stereotypes about leadership roles in football.
Performance Under Pressure: After falling behind 10–0 early, Williams led a comeback that showcased mental toughness and elite skill.
Cultural Impact: His victory prompted broader conversations about diversity and opportunity in the NFL.

Game Summary and Key Moments

The game began poorly for Washington, as the Broncos took a 10–0 lead in the first quarter. However, everything changed in the second quarter when Williams erupted with four touchdown passes in just over seven minutes. The Redskins outscored Denver 35–0 in the quarter, shifting momentum permanently.

In the second half, Washington's defense held strong, limiting Denver's high-powered offense led by John Elway. The Redskins added two more touchdowns, sealing the 42–10 victory.

Category	Washington Redskins	Denver Broncos
Final Score	42	10
Total Yards	602	376
Passing Yards	340 (Doug Williams)	385 (John Elway)
Rushing Yards	256	15
Turnovers	2	3
Time of Possession	35:12	24:48

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical dominance of the Redskins is evident in their 602 total yards and 256 rushing yards, far exceeding typical Super Bowl outputs. Their ability to control the clock and convert big plays through both air and ground attacks overwhelmed Denver’s defense, which struggled to contain Washington’s balanced offensive strategy.

Legacy of Super Bowl XXII

Super Bowl XXII remains one of the most memorable games in NFL history due to its combination of athletic excellence and social significance. It demonstrated that quarterbacks of all backgrounds could lead teams to the highest level of success. The game also highlighted Joe Gibbs’ coaching brilliance and Washington’s depth on both offense and defense.

Long-Term Impact

Paved the way for future Black quarterbacks like Warren Moon, Steve McNair, and Patrick Mahomes.
Reinforced the importance of diverse leadership in professional sports.
Became a reference point in discussions about race, equity, and representation in athletics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Won the Super Bowl in 1988

Who won the Super Bowl in 1988?

The Washington Redskins won Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, defeating the Denver Broncos 42–10.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl XXII?

Doug Williams, quarterback for the Washington Redskins, was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns in the second quarter alone.