Super Bowl XLI -- 2007

Super Bowl XLI

Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears

Date: February 4, 2007
Host City: Miami, FL
Stadium: Dolphin Stadium
National Anthem: Billy Joel (ASL performed by Marlee Matlin)
Halftime Entertainment: Prince and the Florida A&M University Marching 100
MVP: Peyton Manning – Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
Final Score: Indianapolis-29 Chicago-17

There were many firsts in the Super Bowl bearing the title XLI. For the first time, the game was played in rain; for the first time, an opening kick off would be returned for a touchdown; for the first time, two African American head coaches would represent both teams. And then, there was the game – by no means was it a disappointment. Devin Hester got the wet crowd to its feet by returning Adam Vinatieri's opening kick 92 yards for a TD. The Colts would counter when QB Peyton Manning hit WR Reggie Wayne for a 53 yard TD, culminating an 80 drive. The two teams would slug it out in the rain, yet there was a distinct advantage gaining momentum in the Colts corner. Leading 16-14 at the half, the Colts were just where they wanted to be.

The Colts D increased the pressure on the Bears suspect QB, Rex Grossman, during the 2nd half, eventually intercepting a 4th quarter pass, to seal the victory for Indianapolis. Peyton Manning would go on to be awarded the MVP trophy after throwing for 247 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT during a continuous rain. The victory would mark the 4th consecutive Super Bowl victory for the AFC.

Check out the summaries for Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLII.