On this date in 1998 — January 25 — the Denver Broncos were finally able to win their first world championship, 31-24, over the Green Bay Packers.
After numerous appearances and numerous losses on the NFL’s biggest stage, the Broncos were thought to have been almost an afterthought to the defending Super Bowl-winning Packers. Green Bay came into Super Bowl XXXII as 11-point favorites, and the NFC had won the Super Bowl for 13 consecutive years.
The game featured eight future Pro Football Hall of Famers, five from the Broncos (John Elway, Terrell Davis, Steve Atwater, Pat Bowlen and Shannon Sharpe) and three from the Packers (Brett Favre, Reggie White and Ron Wolf).
Throughout the game, Davis rushed for three touchdowns, which is still a Super Bowl record that stands today. Elway also ran for a touchdown early in the second quarter.
The most iconic moment of the game came late in the fourth quarter, on a third down run made by Elway. Elway ran, leaped and was hit by three Green Bay defenders, spinning him in the air at the first down marker. “The Helicopter,” as it was later come to be known as, was recognized as the 33rd most memorable play in NFL history during the league’s celebration of its 100th year.
After knocking down Brett Favre’s final pass, the Broncos knelt down to win the game. At the end of it all, owner Pat Bowlen hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, declaring, “This one’s for John!” It became the first of three titles in franchise history.
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