On January 26, 1997, the Green Bay Packers faced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. In their first Super Bowl appearance since the Lombardi era, the Packers won 35–21, capturing their third Super Bowl title. Quarterback Brett Favre led the offense, while return specialist Desmond Howard earned MVP honors for his electrifying performance on special teams.
Winner: Green Bay Packers (35–21)
MVP: Desmond Howard, Kick Returner/Punt Returner
Game Recap and Highlights
First Half: Packers Build Early Lead
The Packers surged to a 27–14 halftime lead behind Brett Favre’s precision passing. Favre connected with Andre Rison and Antonio Freeman for long touchdown strikes, including an 81-yard bomb to Freeman. Desmond Howard’s punt return set up a score, while Drew Bledsoe kept New England close with touchdowns to Ben Coates and Curtis Martin.
Second Half: Howard’s Heroics Seal the Win
In the third quarter, Curtis Martin’s rushing touchdown cut the Packers’ lead to 27–21. On the ensuing kickoff, Desmond Howard delivered the defining moment of the game with a 99-yard touchdown return, the longest in Super Bowl history at the time. Green Bay’s defense, anchored by Reggie White, closed the door in the fourth quarter, sacking Bledsoe multiple times to secure the 35–21 win.
Key Figures
Desmond Howard: His 244 total return yards and 99-yard kickoff return touchdown earned him MVP honors, underscoring the impact of special teams on the game.
Brett Favre: Finished with 246 passing yards and two touchdowns, including the iconic 81-yard strike to Antonio Freeman, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Impact and Legacy
Super Bowl XXXI ended a nearly 30-year championship drought for Green Bay, restoring the Packers’ place among the NFL’s elite franchises. Howard’s MVP performance highlighted the game-changing role of special teams in Super Bowl history, while Favre’s leadership solidified his reputation as the league’s best quarterback of the era.
For the Patriots, the loss was painful, but it marked their rise as a legitimate contender under Bill Parcells. Though Drew Bledsoe struggled with four interceptions, the appearance set the stage for New England’s eventual dynasty under Bill Belichick years later.
Global Reach and Cultural Significance
The game was broadcast internationally in the UK, Canada, Mexico, and emerging markets like Germany, where NFL interest was growing. The Packers’ historic legacy, combined with Brett Favre’s star power, attracted new fans worldwide.
Culturally, the game symbolized the Packers’ return to prominence, harkening back to the glory years under Vince Lombardi. Howard’s kickoff return became one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history, while the Patriots’ appearance laid groundwork for their future dominance.
Key Moment: Desmond Howard’s 99-yard kickoff return touchdown in the third quarter shifted momentum permanently in favor of the Packers and sealed his MVP award.
Postgame Thoughts
Super Bowl XXXI was a defining moment for Green Bay, as the Packers secured their third Super Bowl title and reestablished themselves as one of the NFL’s premier franchises. Brett Favre’s leadership and Desmond Howard’s electrifying performance were central to the victory, while the Patriots’ emergence signaled their future as perennial contenders. Internationally, the broadcast expanded the NFL’s reach, drawing fans to the drama and spectacle of the Super Bowl.