On January 31, 1988, the Washington Redskins faced the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The game is remembered for Washington’s record-setting second quarter and Doug Williams making history as the first African-American quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. The Redskins stormed back from an early deficit to win 42–10 and claim their second championship.
Winner: Washington Redskins (42–10)
MVP: Doug Williams, Quarterback
Game Recap and Highlights
First Half: Broncos Start Fast, Redskins Respond
Denver struck early with a 56-yard touchdown pass from John Elway to Ricky Nattiel and a field goal by Rich Karlis for a 10–0 lead. The second quarter completely flipped the game. Doug Williams, after briefly leaving with a knee injury, returned to throw four touchdown passes, including an 80-yard strike to Ricky Sanders. Running back Timmy Smith added a rushing score as Washington erupted for 35 unanswered points to lead 35–10 at halftime.
Second Half: Washington Seals It
The Redskins controlled the second half with Timmy Smith adding another touchdown run. Washington’s defense shut down the Broncos completely, holding them scoreless after the first quarter and securing a dominant 42–10 victory.
Key Figures
Doug Williams: Threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns, earning MVP honors and becoming the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
Timmy Smith: Rushed for a Super Bowl-record 204 yards and two touchdowns, a performance still unmatched in Super Bowl history.
Impact and Legacy
Super Bowl XXII was a landmark in NFL history. Doug Williams shattered racial barriers and became a symbol of inspiration for future generations of quarterbacks. Washington’s second Super Bowl title solidified Joe Gibbs’ reputation as one of the league’s great coaches. For Denver, the defeat marked their second straight Super Bowl loss under John Elway.
Global Reach and Cultural Significance
Culturally, the game is remembered for Washington’s 35-point second quarter—the most explosive in Super Bowl history—and Williams’ role in rewriting the narrative for Black quarterbacks in the NFL.
Key Moment: Williams’ 80-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Sanders ignited Washington’s offensive explosion and remains one of the defining plays in Super Bowl lore.
Postgame Thoughts
Super Bowl XXII stands as one of the most important games in NFL history. Doug Williams’ MVP performance was both a football triumph and a cultural milestone, while Timmy Smith’s record-setting day highlighted Washington’s dominance. The game cemented the Super Bowl as a global event and added to its reputation for unforgettable storylines.