In Super Bowl XLV, the Green Bay Packers will appear in their fifth Super Bowl in franchise history. Here's a look back at their appearance against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII.
Super Bowl History: The Packers Fall To Broncos, Fail To Repeat
In 1997, the 13-3 Green Bay Packers looked as though they had what it would take to assemble a dynasty. After years of domination by the Cowboys and 49ers, the Packers were suddenly the NFC's premier team. Led by quarterback Brett Favre and an unforgiving defense, and on the heels of a Super Bowl XXXI win, Green Bay entered Super Bowl XXXII as a 14-point favorite over the 12-4 Denver Broncos.
The Pack stormed right out of the gates in Qualcomm Stadium, as Favre connected with receiver Antonio Freeman to end the opening drive with a touchdown. Thanks to John Elway and Terrell Davis, though, the Broncos headed into halftime with a 17-14 lead.
Elway, a future Hall of Famer, was on a career-long quest to finally win a Super Bowl, and Davis, his running back, did not allow migraine attacks to stop him from gaining 157 yards on the ground. They took a 31-24 lead with 1:45 remaining in the game. Favre’s Packers re-took the field, and needing a touchdown to force overtime, they drove into Denver territory before the Broncos stymied their passing game.
The 31-24 lead, then, was final, and Elway finally won his first Super Bowl. Favre, in a losing effort, threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns. It would be his last appearance in a Super Bowl, and the Packers would have to wait another 13 years before returning.
As we near Super Bowl Sunday, be sure to follow along with our Packers blog, Acme Packing Company, and our Steelers blog, Behind The Steel Curtain.
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