Super Bowl I - Green Bay Packers Vs Kansas City Chiefs

The National Football League founded in 1920, and was formerly identified as American Professional Football Association. It consisted on eleven teams. It was not until 1922 when they adopted the term National Football League. Because the NFL was firmly established four decades prior to the American Football League, it often took center stage, and was perceived as the more skilled league.

The American Football League was established in 1960 and consisted of eight original competing teams. The league as founded by Lamar Hunt, also the founder of the Kansas City Chiefs.

It was not until 1966 when the two individual leagues agreed to allow their best teams to face-off in the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, later referred to as the Super Bowl.

Because the two leagues were initially unconnected, acrimony was present. However, the NFL was considered the foremost league in the United States, and before fans and the media knew who would participate in the game, the NFL was expected to roll over the AFL representation.

The first Super Bowl was played in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on January 15, 1967 after the champion for both leagues was determined.

The AFL Championship Game-Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, at War Memorial Stadium

The Hank Stram coached Kansas City Chiefs owned the best record in the AFL in 1966 as they posted 11 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie. The Buffalo Bills won 9 games, lost 4 games, and 1 tie.

The game was played on Buffalo's home field at War Memorial Stadium. The Bills had conquered the previous two AFL titles. However, the Chiefs dangerous offense led by a quarterback Len Dawson resulted in a 31-7 romp over the Bills.

The NFL Championship Game-Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys, at the Cotton Bowl

The Green Bay Packers were the defending NFL champions and owned a 12-2 regular season record. Their opponents were the young and explosive Dallas Cowboys who owned a 10-3-1 regular season record.

The Packers controlled the game; however, the Cowboys stayed within striking distance. In the end, Vince Lombardi's Packers held on for a 34-27 victory.

Super Bowl I

The Kansas City Chiefs, coached by Hank Stram, were considered to be heavy underdogs as they faced the 10-time NFL champion Green Bay Packers, who were considered 14 point favorites. Vince Lombardi had constructed an NFL empire in Green Bay.

The game began with both clubs forcing to punt on each of their first possessions of the game. An 80 yard drive on 6 plays led to a touchdown pass from Packers quarterback Bart Starr to receiver Max McGee. The Packers drew first blood and led 7-0 early. The Chiefs threatened to score on the subsequent drive, but kicker Mike Mercer failed to convert on a 40 yard field goal.

As the second quarter began, the Chiefs tied the score at 7 apiece when quarterback Len Dawson found Curtis McClinton in the end zone. The Packers responded with another touchdown, this time it was their fullback Jim Taylor who utilized the team's power sweep play. The Chiefs cut the lead to 14-10 prior to the halftime session.

The Chiefs began to move the ball in the third quarter; however, Dawson would have his attempted pass intercepted. Following the turnover, the Packers took advantage and opened the lead up to 21-10. The momentum had clearly been pointed into the Packers direction. Before the third quarter came to its conclusion, the Chiefs fell behind 28-10.

In the fourth quarter, the Packers put an exclamation point on their Super Bowl route when running back Elijah Pitts scored on a 1 yard touchdown run, icing the 35-10 victory.

Super Bowl I MVP- Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr

Television Network- CBS and NBC. CBS owned the rights to cover NFL games, while NBC owned the rights to cover AFL games.

Attendance- 61,946

Scoring Summary-

Kansas City 0 10 0 0- 10

Green Bay 7 7 14 7- 35