Nov 08 2024 11 mins
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 10, a game that would go down in history as one of the most thrilling and dramatic championship matchups in NFL history. This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys took place on January 18, 1976, at the Miami Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become a classic Super Bowl showdown. The 1975 NFL season was a year of redemption for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers were the defending Super Bowl champions, having won their first title the previous year. They were looking to prove that their success was not a fluke and to establish themselves as a dynasty. The Cowboys, on the other hand, were seeking to reclaim their place at the top of the NFL after a few years of playoff disappointments. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Noll, had built a powerhouse team through shrewd drafting and player development. Their defense, known as the "Steel Curtain," was one of the most dominant units in NFL history. Led by defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene, the Steelers' defense was nearly impenetrable. The linebacking corps was equally impressive, featuring Jack Lambert, a fierce competitor known for his intensity on the field. On offense, the Steelers were led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw. While Bradshaw had struggled with consistency early in his career, he was now coming into his own as a leader and playmaker. His primary targets were wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both of whom were emerging as star players. The Steelers' running game was anchored by Franco Harris, a powerful back who had rushed for over 1,000 yards during the regular season. Harris was complemented by Rocky Bleier, who provided a change of pace and was an excellent blocker. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, were looking to return to the Super Bowl after a few years of falling short in the playoffs. Led by innovative head coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys had earned the nickname "America's Team" due to their popularity and success throughout the Nineteen seventies. The Cowboys' offense was led by quarterback Roger Staubach, known for his ability to scramble and make plays under pressure. Staubach's favorite target was Drew Pearson, a sure-handed receiver who had a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The Cowboys also had a strong running game, featuring fullback Robert Newhouse and the versatile Preston Pearson. On defense, the Cowboys boasted their famous "Doomsday Defense," featuring players like defensive tackle Randy White and safety Cliff Harris. This unit had been the backbone of the Cowboys' success for years, known for their ability to create turnovers and shut down opposing offenses. As game day approached, there was significant drama surrounding the Steelers' star receiver, Lynn Swann. Two weeks before the Super Bowl, Swann had suffered a severe concussion in the AFC Championship game against the Oakland Raiders. His status for the Super Bowl was in doubt right up until game time, with many wondering if he would be able to play or how effective he would be if he did take the field. On January 18, 1976, a record crowd of 80,187 fans packed into the Miami Orange Bowl, paying an average of $20 for a ticket (equivalent to about $91 today). The atmosphere was electric as the two storied franchises prepared to face off for the NFL championship. The game began with an explosive play that set the tone for the excitement to come. On the opening kickoff, the Cowboys ran a reverse play where linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson took a handoff from Preston Pearson and returned the ball a Super Bowl record 48 yards before being forced out of bounds by Steelers kicker Roy Gerela. This play not only energized the Cowboys and their fans but also resulted in an injury to Gerela, who suffered bruised ribs that would affect his kicking throughout the game. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. The Steelers' defense, true to form, sacked Staubach on the very first play from scrimmage, a sign of things to come as they would sack the Cowboys' quarterback seven times throughout the game. The Cowboys struck first blood late in the first quarter. Staubach connected with Drew Pearson on a 29 yard touchdown pass, giving Dallas a 7 to zero lead. This was a significant moment, as it marked the first time all season that the Steelers' vaunted "Steel Curtain" defense had allowed a touchdown in the first quarter. The Steelers, however, were quick to respond. Early in the second quarter, they put together a drive that showcased their offensive capabilities. The key play came when Bradshaw found Lynn Swann for a spectacular 32 yard reception along the sideline. Swann, despite his recent concussion, made an acrobatic catch, leaping over cornerback Mark Washington and somehow managing to keep both feet in bounds. This play not only energized the Steelers but also served notice that Swann was ready to play at the highest level despite his injury concerns. The drive culminated in a trick play that caught the Cowboys off guard. On third and goal from the 7 yardline, the Steelers lined up in a formation that suggested a running play. Instead, Bradshaw found tight end Randy Grossman wide open in the end zone for a touchdown, tying the game at 7 to 7. The rest of the second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both defenses asserting themselves. The Cowboys managed to take a 10 to 7 lead into halftime thanks to a 36 yard field goal by Toni Fritsch. The close score at halftime set the stage for what would be a dramatic and unforgettable second half. As the third quarter began, the Steelers' defense continued to dominate, repeatedly sacking Staubach and forcing the Cowboys into difficult situations. However, the Steelers' offense was also struggling to find its rhythm, with Gerela missing two field goal attempts due to his injured ribs. It was after the second missed field goal that one of the game's most memorable moments occurred. Cowboys' safety Cliff Harris mockingly patted Gerela on the helmet, "thanking" him for missing the kick. This act of poor sportsmanship enraged Steelers' linebacker Jack Lambert, who promptly grabbed Harris and threw him to the ground. Surprisingly, Lambert was not ejected for this action, a decision that would prove crucial for the Steelers as the game progressed. The fourth quarter of Super Bowl 10 was one for the ages, filled with dramatic plays and momentum swings. The Steelers finally got on the board again early in the quarter when they forced a safety, tackling Cowboys' punter Mitch Hoopes in the end zone after a blocked punt. This cut the Cowboys' lead to 10 to 9 and gave Pittsburgh some much-needed momentum. Following the safety, the Steelers put together a drive that resulted in a 36 yard field goal by Gerela, giving them their first lead of the game at 12 to 10. The Steel Curtain defense continued to dominate, forcing a quick three and out from the Cowboys. Then came the play that would define the game and cement Lynn Swann's place in Super Bowl lore. With just over three minutes remaining, Bradshaw dropped back to pass and was hit hard by two Cowboys defenders just as he released the ball. The pass soared high into the Miami sky, hanging in the air for what seemed like an eternity. Swann, running a deep post pattern, adjusted to the ball, leaped over cornerback Mark Washington, and made an incredible catch at the 5-yard line before waltzing into the end zone for a 64-yard touchdown. The play was a masterpiece of timing, athleticism, and concentration. Swann's ability to track the ball, outmaneuver the defender, and maintain his focus to make the catch was simply breathtaking. This touchdown gave the Steelers a 21 to 10 lead and seemed to put the game out of reach for the Cowboys. However, Roger Staubach and the Cowboys weren't done yet. With time running out, Staubach led a quick drive down the field, culminating in a 34 yard touchdown pass to Percy Howard. This cut the Steelers' lead to 21 to 17 with just one forty eight left on the clock. The Cowboys attempted an onside kick, but the Steelers recovered, seemingly ending Dallas's hopes. However, the Steelers couldn't run out the clock and were forced to punt, giving Staubach and the Cowboys one last chance with 82 yards to go and no timeouts. In a finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Staubach managed to move the Cowboys to midfield. With just seconds remaining, he launched a deep pass towards the end zone, reminiscent of his famous "Hail Mary" from the previous year's playoffs. But this time, there would be no miracle. Steelers' safety Glen Edwards intercepted the pass in the end zone as time expired, securing Pittsburgh's victory and their second consecutive Super Bowl championship. The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17. It was a game that lived up to its billing and then some, featuring incredible individual performances, dramatic swings of momentum, and a nail-biting finish. Lynn Swann was named the game's Most Valuable Player, a well-deserved honor for his incredible performance. Despite the concerns about his concussion, Swann finished the game with four receptions for a then-Super Bowl record 161 yards and the game-defining touchdown. His acrobatic catches, particularly the 53 yard reception in the second quarter and the 64 yard touchdown in the fourth, would be replayed for years to come and are still considered some of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. Terry Bradshaw, despite taking a beating from the Cowboys' pass rush, finished the game with 9 completions on 19 attempts for 209 yards and two touchdowns. His toughness and ability to make big plays when it mattered most were crucial to the Steelers' victory. For th