The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off once again in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs, who emerged victorious in their previous meeting with a score of 31-20, are making their third appearance in the Big Game in the past four years.
For fans of other teams, it’s been a while since their favorite squad made it to the Super Bowl. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see when they last graced the grand stage. (Apologies to Lions, Browns, Jaguars, and Texans fans).
Super Bowl LVIII (2023) marked the most recent appearance for one team. It was a matchup that didn’t generate much excitement beyond the Bay Area and Missouri. To make matters worse, some right-wingers believed it was all part of a scheme to get Taylor Swift to endorse Joe Biden.
In Super Bowl LVII (2022), the Chiefs faced off against the Eagles and came out on top with a score of 38-35. This game pitted two of the best teams from that season against each other. Both teams had impressive records of 14-3 and secured the top seed in their respective conferences. One memorable moment from this game was the controversial holding call against James Bradberry.
Super Bowl LVI (2021) saw the Rams defeat the Bengals with a score of 23-20. This victory was fueled by the Rams’ general manager, Les Snead, who made bold moves by trading away draft picks for established star players.
In Super Bowl LV (2020), the Buccaneers dominated the Chiefs with a final score of 31-9. This game was significant because it showcased Tom Brady’s ability to win a championship with a team other than the New England Patriots, much to the dismay of many fans.
Super Bowl LIII (2018) was a lackluster affair, with the Patriots defeating the Rams 13-3. It was widely regarded as one of the most boring Super Bowls in history, and it marked yet another win for the Patriots, a team that many fans outside of New England had grown tired of seeing in the Big Game. However, it also signaled the end of the Patriots dynasty.
Super Bowl LI (2016) will forever be remembered for the incredible comeback by the Patriots. The Falcons had a commanding lead of 28-3, but the Patriots managed to rally and eventually won the game in overtime with a score of 34-28.
In Super Bowl 50 (2015), the Broncos emerged victorious over the Panthers with a score of 24-10. The Broncos’ stout defense played a crucial role in securing the win, as they recovered three fumbles, recorded an interception, and sacked Cam Newton seven times.
Super Bowl XLIX (2014) featured a thrilling matchup between the Patriots and the Seahawks. The Patriots managed to secure a victory with a score of 28-24, thanks in part to a controversial decision by the Seahawks to throw the ball on the 1-yard line instead of running it.
Super Bowl XLVII (2012) was dubbed the “Harbowl” as it pitted two brothers, John and Jim Harbaugh, against each other as head coaches. John’s Ravens emerged victorious with a score of 34-31, denying Jim’s 49ers a chance at a championship. While Jim has since returned to the league, a rematch between the brothers can only happen if one of them moves to the NFC.
Super Bowl XLVI (2011) saw the Giants defeat the Patriots with a score of 21-17. This game didn’t feature the iconic “helmet catch” from their previous Super Bowl matchup, but it was filled with plenty of excitement and intrigue until the final whistle.
In Super Bowl XLV (2010), the Packers triumphed over the Steelers with a score of 31-25. This victory marked Aaron Rodgers’ first and only Super Bowl win, and it was a significant achievement for the Packers, who entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 6 seed.
Super Bowl XLIV (2009) was a historic moment for the New Orleans Saints as they secured their first-ever Super Bowl title. They defeated the Colts with a score of 31-17, and the game will forever be remembered for the unforgettable onside kick.
Super Bowl XLIII (2008) saw the Steelers emerge victorious over the Cardinals with a score of 27-23. Kurt Warner had a chance to win the Super Bowl with two different teams, but Santonio Holmes’ heroics dashed those hopes.
Super Bowl XLI (2006) started off with a bang as Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. However, the Bears couldn’t maintain their momentum, and the Colts ultimately won the game with a score of 29-17. Rex Grossman’s fourth-quarter pick-six was a key turning point in the game.
Super Bowl XXXVII (2002) was a dominant performance by the Buccaneers, who defeated the Raiders with a score of 48-21. The Bucs’ defense intercepted Rich Gannon a record five times, three of which resulted in pick-sixes.
Super Bowl XXXIV (1999) was a close contest between the Rams and the Titans, with the Rams emerging victorious with a score of 23-16. The game will forever be remembered for Kevin Dyson falling just one yard short of a potential game-tying touchdown.
Super Bowl XXX (1995) marked the last time the Cowboys won the Big Game. They defeated the Steelers with a score of 27-17. It’s been almost 30 years since the Cowboys last tasted Super Bowl success, and it remains to be seen if they can turn things around in the near future.
Super Bowl XXIX (1994) featured a dominant performance by the 49ers, who defeated the Chargers with a score of 49-26. Steve Young threw for six touchdowns in this game, and it remains a memorable moment in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl XXVIII (1993) was the last of the Buffalo Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Unfortunately for the Bills, they once again fell short, losing to the Cowboys with a score of 30-13. The current Bills team, led by Josh Allen, will need to overcome their Kansas City Chiefs demons if they hope to return to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XXVI (1991) saw Washington secure their third Lombardi Trophy with a victory over the Bills. This game marked the second of four straight Super Bowl losses for Buffalo, while Washington managed to win each of their championships with a different quarterback.
Super Bowl XIX (1984) was a memorable one for the 49ers, who defeated the Dolphins with a score of 38-16. This game solidified Joe Montana’s status as one of the all-time great quarterbacks, while Dan Marino, despite his incredible career, never managed to win a Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XI (1978) saw the Raiders defeat the Vikings with a score of 32-14. This game marked the first of four Super Bowl appearances for the Vikings, all of which ended in defeat.
Super Bowl III (1968) was a historic moment for the Jets, who secured their first and only Super Bowl victory. Led by Joe Namath, the Jets defeated the Colts with a score of 16-7. Unfortunately, the Jets’ aspirations for another title this season were dashed when Aaron Rodgers suffered an injury in the opening game.
