November 8, 2024 • 10 mins
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 9, a game that marked a significant moment in NFL history and solidified the Pittsburgh Steelers' place as one of the league's emerging powerhouses. This matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings took place on January 12, 1975, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 the first of four Super Bowl victories for the Steelers in the Nineteen Seventies . The 1974 NFL season was a breakthrough year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After decades of mediocrity, the Steelers had finally become contenders under head coach Chuck Noll. Noll, who had taken over the team in 1969, had methodically built a powerhouse through shrewd drafting and player development. The Steelers finished the regular season with a 10, 3 and 1 record, winning the AFC Central division and earning a spot in the playoffs. The Steelers' success was built on a foundation of exceptional talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Their defense, which would come to be known as the "Steel Curtain," was one of the most dominant units in NFL history. Led by defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene, the Steelers' front four was nearly impenetrable. Alongside Greene were L C Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White, forming a fearsome defensive line that struck terror into opposing offenses. The linebacking corps was equally impressive, featuring Jack Ham and Andy Russell. In the secondary, Mel Blount was emerging as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. This defense had allowed only 189 points during the regular season, the second-fewest in the NFL. On offense, the Steelers were led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw. While Bradshaw had struggled with consistency early in his career, he was beginning to come into his own as a leader and playmaker. His primary targets were wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both rookies who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. 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 Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, were making their third Super Bowl appearance in six years. Led by head coach Bud Grant, the Vikings had dominated the NFC, finishing the regular season with a 10 and 4 record. They were looking to shake off the disappointment of their previous Super Bowl losses and finally claim the championship that had eluded them. The Vikings' offense was led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, a future Hall of Famer known for his scrambling ability and improvisational skills. Tarkenton's favorite targets were wide receivers John Gilliam and Jim Lash. The Vikings' running game was anchored by Chuck Foreman, who had emerged as one of the best all-purpose backs in the league. On defense, the Vikings boasted their famous "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, featuring Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen. This formidable unit had been the backbone of the Vikings' success for years, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and shutting down running games. As game day approached, the stage was set for what promised to be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best defenses. The Steelers were slight favorites, but many expected a close, hard-fought contest. The game began in unusual fashion, with the temperature at kickoff a chilly 46 degrees Fahrenheit. This was surprisingly cold for New Orleans, and it would have an impact on the game, particularly in the early going. The first quarter was a defensive struggle, with neither team able to mount much offense. The Steelers' first drive ended when Franco Harris fumbled at the Minnesota 24 yard l ine, with the Vikings recovering. However, Minnesota was unable to capitalize on the turnover, and the quarter ended scoreless. The second quarter saw the game's first score, but it came in an unexpected way. The Vikings, backed up near their own goal line, attempted a pitch-out to running back Dave Osborn. The ball was mishandled, and Osborn fell on it in the end zone for a safety, giving the Steelers a 2 to zero lead. This unusual score seemed to energize the Steelers, who began to assert their dominance on both sides of the ball. Their defense continued to stifle the Vikings' offense, while their own offense started to find some rhythm. Late in the second quarter, the Steelers put together a drive that culminated in a 7-yard touchdown run by Franco Harris. The extra point was missed, leaving the score at 8 to zero in favor of Pittsburgh at halftime. As the teams headed to the locker rooms, it was clear that the Steelers' game plan was working. Their defense had completely shut down the Vikings' offense, holding them to just 24 total yards in the first half. Fr
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl nine, a game
that marked a significant moment in NFL history and solidified
the Pittsburgh Steelers place as one of the league's emerging powerhouses.
This matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings
took place on January twelfth, nineteen seventy five, at two
Lane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. As we delve into
(00:22):
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 the first of four Super Bowl
victories for the Steelers in the nineteen seventies. The nineteen
seventy four NFL season was a breakthrough year for the
Pittsburgh Steelers. After decades of mediocrity, the Steelers had finally
(00:44):
become contenders under head coach Chuck Noll. Noel, who had
taken over the team in nineteen sixty nine, had methodically
built a powerhouse through shrewd drafting and player development. The
Steelers finished the regular season with a ten to three
to one record, winning the AFC Central Divvis and earning
a spot in the playoffs. The Steelers' success was built
on a foundation of exceptional talent, particularly on the defensive
(01:07):
side of the ball. Their defense, which would come to
be known as the Steel Curtain, was one of the
most dominant units in NFL history. Led by defensive tackle
mean Joe Green, the Steelers front four was nearly impenetrable.
Alongside Green were L C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White,
forming a fearsome defensive line that struck terror into opposing offenses.
(01:29):
The linebacking corps was equally impressive, featuring Jack Ham and
Andy Russell. In the secondary, Mel Blount was emerging as
one of the best cornerbacks in the league. This defense
had allowed only one hundred and eighty nine points during
the regular season, the second fewest in the NFL. On offense,
the Steelers were led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw. While Bradshaw
(01:51):
had struggled with consistency early in his career, he was
beginning to come into his own as a leader and playmaker.
His primary targets were wide receivers linn Swan and John Stalworth,
both rookies who would go on to have Hall of
Fame careers. The Steelers running game was anchored by Franco Harris,
a powerful back who had rushed for over one thousand
yards during the regular season. Harris was complimented by Rocky Blier,
(02:13):
who provided a change of pace and was an excellent blocker.
The Minnesota Vikings, led by head coach Bud Grant, had
dominated the NFC, finishing the regular season with a ten
to four record. They were looking to shake off the
disappointment of their previous Super Bowl losses and finally claimed
the championship that had eluded them. The Vikings offense was
(02:34):
led by quarterback fran Tarkenton, a future Hall of Famer
known for his scrambling ability and improvisational skills. Tarkanin's favorite
targets were wide receivers John Gilliam and Jim lash The
Vikings running game was anchored by Chuck Foreman, who had
emerged as one of the best backs in the league.
On defense, the Vikings boasted their famous Purple People Eaters
(02:56):
defensive line, featuring Allan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and
Gary Larson. This formidable unit had been the backbone of
the Viking's success for years, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and shutting
down running games. As game day approached, the stage was
set for what promised to be an epic battle between
two of the NFL's best defenses. The Steelers were slight favorites,
(03:19):
but many expected a close, hard fought contest. The game
began an unusual fashion, with the temperature at kickoff at
chilly forty six degrees fahrenheit. This was surprisingly cold for
New Orleans and it would have an impact on the game,
particularly in the early going. The first quarter was a
defensive struggle, with neither team able to mount much offense.
(03:41):
The Steelers first drive ended when Frank o'harris fumbled, with
the Vikings recovering. However, Minnesota was unable to capitalize on
the turnover and the quarter ended scoreless. The second quarter
saw the game's first score, but it came in an
unexpected way. The Vikings backed up near their own goal
line attempt a pitch out to running back Dave Osbourne.
(04:02):
The ball was mishandled and Osbourne fell on it in
the end zone for a safety, giving the Steelers a
two to zero lead. Their defense continued to stifle the
Vikings offense while their own offense started to find some rhythm.
Late in the second quarter, the Steelers put together a
drive that culminated in a seven yard touchdown run by
Franco Harris. The extra point was missed, leaving the score
(04:24):
at eight to zero in favor of Pittsburgh at halftime.
As the teams headed to the locker rooms, it was
clear that the Steelers game plan was working. Their defense
had completely shut down the Vikings offense, holding them to
just twenty four total yards in the first half. Fran Tarkin,
and usually so elusive, was finding no room to maneuver
against the relentless Pittsburgh pass rush. The third quarter saw
(04:47):
more of the same from the Steelers. Their defense continued
to dominate and their offense began to wear down the
Vikings defense with a punishing ground game. Franco Harris in particular,
was consistently gaining tough yards and keeping the chains moving.
Midway through the third quarter, the Steelers extended their lead.
Terry Bradshaw connected with tight end Larry Brown on a
(05:08):
four yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to fifteen to zero.
The Vikings, desperate to get back into the game, finally
managed to put together a scoring drive late in the quarter.
Fran Tarkentin hit tight end Stu Voight with a four
yard touchdown pass, cutting the Steelers' lead to fifteen to six.
The extra point was blocked. As the fourth quarter began,
(05:29):
there was a sense that the Vikings might be mounting
a comeback. However, the Steelers defense had other ideas. They
continued to pressure Tarkenton relentlessly, forcing hurried throws and shutting
down the running game. The defining moment of the game
came midway through the fourth quarter, with the Vikings trying
to mount a drive target and dropped back to pass.
(05:49):
Under heavy pressure from the Steeler's rush, he threw a
pass that was intercepted by Pittsburgh's safety Mike Wagner. This
turnover effectively sealed the game for the Steelers. In the
closing minutes, the Steelers added a field goal to make
the final score sixteen to six. As the clock ticked
down to zero, the Pittsburgh sideline erupted in celebration. After
(06:10):
years of futility, the Steelers had finally reached the pinnacle
of professional football. Francoharris was named the game's most valuable player.
He finished with one hundred and fifty eight yards rushing
on thirty four carries and a touchdown, setting a then
Super Bowl record for rushing yards. His punishing running style
had worn down the Vikings defense. The Steelers out gained
(06:31):
the Vikings three hundred and thirty three yards to one
hundred nineteen, including a two forty nine to seventeen advantage
in rushing yards. Terry Bradshaw completed nine of fourteen passes
for ninety six yards and a touchdown, while fran Tarkenton struggled,
completing just eleven of twenty six passes for one hundred
and two yards with a touchdown and three interceptions for
(06:55):
the Steelers. This victory was the culmination of years of
building and development. Chuck Knol had taken over a struggling
franchise and through patience and excellent drafting, had built a juggernaut.
Players like Joe Green, jack Ham, and Frank o'harris, who
had been with the team through the lean years, could
now call themselves world champions. For the Vikings, it was
(07:16):
another bitter disappointment. This was their third Super Bowl loss
in six years, and questions began to arise about their
ability to win the Big Game. Despite their regular season
success and dominance in the NFC, they were unable to
capture the ultimate prize. Super Bowl nine was notable for
several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the emergence
(07:38):
of the Steelers as an NFL powerhouse, the beginning of
a dynasty that would see them win four Super Bowls
in six years. The game showcase the importance of defense
and championship football, with the Steel Curtain putting on a
performance for the Ages. The game also highlighted the changing
nature of professional football. While the Vikings represented the old
(07:59):
god Guard with their veteran quarterback and established stars, the
Steelers were the new breed. They had built their team
through the draft, developing young talent like Lynn Swan and
John Stalworth who would go on to be key players
in their future success. As we look back on Super
Bowl nine from our vantage point today, its significance in
the history of professional football is clear. It was the
(08:22):
beginning of one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history,
a showcase for one of the most dominant defenses ever assembled,
and a changing of the guard in the NFL power structure.
The game serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature
of success in professional sports. The Vikings, who had been
so dominant for much of the nineteen seventies were beginning
(08:44):
to fade while the Steelers were starting their run of excellence.
It's a testament to the importance of building through the draft,
developing young talent, and having a clear organizational philosophy. In conclusion,
super Bowl nine stands as a pivotal in NFL history.
It was a game that showcased the talents of future
Hall of famers like Terry Bradshaw, Frank o'harris, Mean, Joe Green,
(09:08):
and Fran Tarkenton. It demonstrated the importance of defense and
championship football, and it set the stage for a dynasty
that would define NFL football for the rest of the
nineteen seventies. From Frank O. Harris's punishing runs to the
dominance of the Steel Curtain, from Terry Bradshaw's efficient game
management to the frustration of Fran Tarkenton against the Steelers
(09:29):
pass rush, super Bowl nine provided moments that would be
remembered and discussed for years to come. As we continue
to watch and enjoy Super Bowls today, with their high
powered offenses and astronomical television ratings, it's worth remembering games
like Super Bowl nine. They remind us of the NFL's evolution,
(09:50):
of the importance of defense and a strong running game,
and of the enduring principles of football that remain relevant
regardless of the era. Control the line of scrimmage, win
the turnover battle, and execute your game plan to perfection.
Thank you for joining us on this journey back to
Super Bowl nine, a game that proved that sometimes the
(10:11):
most dominant performances come not from flashy plays or individual heroics,
but from a team executing a perfect game plan with
ruthless efficiency. The nineteen seventy four Pittsburgh Steelers may have
been newcomers to the Super Bowl stage, but on that
January day in New Orleans, they put on a display
of football excellence that still resonates in NFL history.
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl nine, a game
that marked a significant moment in NFL history and solidified
the Pittsburgh Steelers place as one of the league's emerging powerhouses.
This matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings
took place on January twelfth, nineteen seventy five, at two
Lane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. As we delve into
(00:22):
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 the first of four Super Bowl
victories for the Steelers in the nineteen seventies. The nineteen
seventy four NFL season was a breakthrough year for the
Pittsburgh Steelers. After decades of mediocrity, the Steelers had finally
(00:44):
become contenders under head coach Chuck Noll. Noel, who had
taken over the team in nineteen sixty nine, had methodically
built a powerhouse through shrewd drafting and player development. The
Steelers finished the regular season with a ten to three
to one record, winning the AFC Central Divvis and earning
a spot in the playoffs. The Steelers' success was built
on a foundation of exceptional talent, particularly on the defensive
(01:07):
side of the ball. Their defense, which would come to
be known as the Steel Curtain, was one of the
most dominant units in NFL history. Led by defensive tackle
mean Joe Green, the Steelers front four was nearly impenetrable.
Alongside Green were L C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White,
forming a fearsome defensive line that struck terror into opposing offenses.
(01:29):
The linebacking corps was equally impressive, featuring Jack Ham and
Andy Russell. In the secondary, Mel Blount was emerging as
one of the best cornerbacks in the league. This defense
had allowed only one hundred and eighty nine points during
the regular season, the second fewest in the NFL. On offense,
the Steelers were led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw. While Bradshaw
(01:51):
had struggled with consistency early in his career, he was
beginning to come into his own as a leader and playmaker.
His primary targets were wide receivers linn Swan and John Stalworth,
both rookies who would go on to have Hall of
Fame careers. The Steelers running game was anchored by Franco Harris,
a powerful back who had rushed for over one thousand
yards during the regular season. Harris was complimented by Rocky Blier,
(02:13):
who provided a change of pace and was an excellent blocker.
The Minnesota Vikings, led by head coach Bud Grant, had
dominated the NFC, finishing the regular season with a ten
to four record. They were looking to shake off the
disappointment of their previous Super Bowl losses and finally claimed
the championship that had eluded them. The Vikings offense was
(02:34):
led by quarterback fran Tarkenton, a future Hall of Famer
known for his scrambling ability and improvisational skills. Tarkanin's favorite
targets were wide receivers John Gilliam and Jim lash The
Vikings running game was anchored by Chuck Foreman, who had
emerged as one of the best backs in the league.
On defense, the Vikings boasted their famous Purple People Eaters
(02:56):
defensive line, featuring Allan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and
Gary Larson. This formidable unit had been the backbone of
the Viking's success for years, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and shutting
down running games. As game day approached, the stage was
set for what promised to be an epic battle between
two of the NFL's best defenses. The Steelers were slight favorites,
(03:19):
but many expected a close, hard fought contest. The game
began an unusual fashion, with the temperature at kickoff at
chilly forty six degrees fahrenheit. This was surprisingly cold for
New Orleans and it would have an impact on the game,
particularly in the early going. The first quarter was a
defensive struggle, with neither team able to mount much offense.
(03:41):
The Steelers first drive ended when Frank o'harris fumbled, with
the Vikings recovering. However, Minnesota was unable to capitalize on
the turnover and the quarter ended scoreless. The second quarter
saw the game's first score, but it came in an
unexpected way. The Vikings backed up near their own goal
line attempt a pitch out to running back Dave Osbourne.
(04:02):
The ball was mishandled and Osbourne fell on it in
the end zone for a safety, giving the Steelers a
two to zero lead. Their defense continued to stifle the
Vikings offense while their own offense started to find some rhythm.
Late in the second quarter, the Steelers put together a
drive that culminated in a seven yard touchdown run by
Franco Harris. The extra point was missed, leaving the score
(04:24):
at eight to zero in favor of Pittsburgh at halftime.
As the teams headed to the locker rooms, it was
clear that the Steelers game plan was working. Their defense
had completely shut down the Vikings offense, holding them to
just twenty four total yards in the first half. Fran Tarkin,
and usually so elusive, was finding no room to maneuver
against the relentless Pittsburgh pass rush. The third quarter saw
(04:47):
more of the same from the Steelers. Their defense continued
to dominate and their offense began to wear down the
Vikings defense with a punishing ground game. Franco Harris in particular,
was consistently gaining tough yards and keeping the chains moving.
Midway through the third quarter, the Steelers extended their lead.
Terry Bradshaw connected with tight end Larry Brown on a
(05:08):
four yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to fifteen to zero.
The Vikings, desperate to get back into the game, finally
managed to put together a scoring drive late in the quarter.
Fran Tarkentin hit tight end Stu Voight with a four
yard touchdown pass, cutting the Steelers' lead to fifteen to six.
The extra point was blocked. As the fourth quarter began,
(05:29):
there was a sense that the Vikings might be mounting
a comeback. However, the Steelers defense had other ideas. They
continued to pressure Tarkenton relentlessly, forcing hurried throws and shutting
down the running game. The defining moment of the game
came midway through the fourth quarter, with the Vikings trying
to mount a drive target and dropped back to pass.
(05:49):
Under heavy pressure from the Steeler's rush, he threw a
pass that was intercepted by Pittsburgh's safety Mike Wagner. This
turnover effectively sealed the game for the Steelers. In the
closing minutes, the Steelers added a field goal to make
the final score sixteen to six. As the clock ticked
down to zero, the Pittsburgh sideline erupted in celebration. After
(06:10):
years of futility, the Steelers had finally reached the pinnacle
of professional football. Francoharris was named the game's most valuable player.
He finished with one hundred and fifty eight yards rushing
on thirty four carries and a touchdown, setting a then
Super Bowl record for rushing yards. His punishing running style
had worn down the Vikings defense. The Steelers out gained
(06:31):
the Vikings three hundred and thirty three yards to one
hundred nineteen, including a two forty nine to seventeen advantage
in rushing yards. Terry Bradshaw completed nine of fourteen passes
for ninety six yards and a touchdown, while fran Tarkenton struggled,
completing just eleven of twenty six passes for one hundred
and two yards with a touchdown and three interceptions for
(06:55):
the Steelers. This victory was the culmination of years of
building and development. Chuck Knol had taken over a struggling
franchise and through patience and excellent drafting, had built a juggernaut.
Players like Joe Green, jack Ham, and Frank o'harris, who
had been with the team through the lean years, could
now call themselves world champions. For the Vikings, it was
(07:16):
another bitter disappointment. This was their third Super Bowl loss
in six years, and questions began to arise about their
ability to win the Big Game. Despite their regular season
success and dominance in the NFC, they were unable to
capture the ultimate prize. Super Bowl nine was notable for
several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the emergence
(07:38):
of the Steelers as an NFL powerhouse, the beginning of
a dynasty that would see them win four Super Bowls
in six years. The game showcase the importance of defense
and championship football, with the Steel Curtain putting on a
performance for the Ages. The game also highlighted the changing
nature of professional football. While the Vikings represented the old
(07:59):
god Guard with their veteran quarterback and established stars, the
Steelers were the new breed. They had built their team
through the draft, developing young talent like Lynn Swan and
John Stalworth who would go on to be key players
in their future success. As we look back on Super
Bowl nine from our vantage point today, its significance in
the history of professional football is clear. It was the
(08:22):
beginning of one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history,
a showcase for one of the most dominant defenses ever assembled,
and a changing of the guard in the NFL power structure.
The game serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature
of success in professional sports. The Vikings, who had been
so dominant for much of the nineteen seventies were beginning
(08:44):
to fade while the Steelers were starting their run of excellence.
It's a testament to the importance of building through the draft,
developing young talent, and having a clear organizational philosophy. In conclusion,
super Bowl nine stands as a pivotal in NFL history.
It was a game that showcased the talents of future
Hall of famers like Terry Bradshaw, Frank o'harris, Mean, Joe Green,
(09:08):
and Fran Tarkenton. It demonstrated the importance of defense and
championship football, and it set the stage for a dynasty
that would define NFL football for the rest of the
nineteen seventies. From Frank O. Harris's punishing runs to the
dominance of the Steel Curtain, from Terry Bradshaw's efficient game
management to the frustration of Fran Tarkenton against the Steelers
(09:29):
pass rush, super Bowl nine provided moments that would be
remembered and discussed for years to come. As we continue
to watch and enjoy Super Bowls today, with their high
powered offenses and astronomical television ratings, it's worth remembering games
like Super Bowl nine. They remind us of the NFL's evolution,
(09:50):
of the importance of defense and a strong running game,
and of the enduring principles of football that remain relevant
regardless of the era. Control the line of scrimmage, win
the turnover battle, and execute your game plan to perfection.
Thank you for joining us on this journey back to
Super Bowl nine, a game that proved that sometimes the
(10:11):
most dominant performances come not from flashy plays or individual heroics,
but from a team executing a perfect game plan with
ruthless efficiency. The nineteen seventy four Pittsburgh Steelers may have
been newcomers to the Super Bowl stage, but on that
January day in New Orleans, they put on a display
of football excellence that still resonates in NFL history.
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