Super Bowl XVII -- 1983

Super Bowl XVII

Washington Redskins vs. Miami Dolphins

Date: January 30, 1983
Host City: Pasadena, CA
Stadium: Rose Bowl
National Anthem: Leslie Easterbrook
Halftime Entertainment: Bob Jani Productions - “KaleidoSUPERscope” with the Los Angeles Super Drill Team
MVP: John Riggins – Running Back, Washington Redskins
Final Score: Washington-27 Miami-17

What an interesting season it was that led to Super Bowl XVII. After the 16 game regular season was shortened to 9 games due to a players strike, the NFL threw the foundation for the playoff system out the window in an effort to truly find the top team in the league. The top 8 teams in each conference were seeded 1-8 based on their regular season record, and two conference playoff tournaments ensued. When the Dolphins and Redskins took the field in southern California, fans were in for a treat. Miami jumped out to an early lead, and Washington would offer counter punch after counter punch. It would be the punishing running game of Washington's John Riggins that would put Washington in the lead for good.

Check out the summaries for Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XVIII.