RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Baltimore defeated Dallas 16-13 on Jim O'Brien's 32-yard field goal with five seconds to go in Super Bowl V at Miami, January 17. The NBC tele-cast was viewed in an estimated 23,980,000 homes, the largest audience ever for a one-day sports event.
The NFC defeated the AFC 27-6 in the first AFC-NFC Pro Bowl at Los Angeles, January 24.
The Boston Patriots changed their name to the New England Patriots, March 25. Their new stadium, Schaefer Stadium, was dedicated in a 20-14 preseason victory over the Giants.
The Philadelphia Eagles left Franklin Field and played their games at the new Veterans Stadium.
The San Francisco 49ers left Kezar Stadium and moved their games to Candlestick Park.
Daniel F. Reeves, the president and general manager of the Rams, died at 58, April 15.
The Dallas Cowboys moved from the Cotton Bowl into their new home, Texas Stadium, October 24.
Miami defeated Kansas City 27-24 in sudden-death overtime in an AFC Divisional Playoff Game, December 25. Garo Yepremian kicked a 37-yard field goal for the Dolphins after 22 minutes, 40 seconds of overtime, as the game lasted 82 minutes, 40 seconds overall, making it the longest game in history.
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Super Bowl XVI • San Francisco 49ers vs Cincinnati Bengals Radio Broadcast
Super Bowl XVI showcased a pivotal matchup between the San Francisco 49ers, led by Joe Montana under coach Bill Walsh, and the Cincinnati Bengals, steered by Ken Anderson with coach Forrest Gregg. As the season unfolded, both teams had demonstrated formidable prowess, with the 49ers refining their innovative offensive strategies and the Bengals showcasing resilience and tactical acumen. The anticipation for this clash was heightened by both teams' remarkable journeys to the championship, marking a defining moment in the 1981 NFL season.
The game itself was a display of strategic depth and individual brilliance. Montana's leadership and tactical intelligence were on full display, culminating in a rushing touchdown and a pivotal pass for another. Anderson, despite facing a stalwart 49ers defense, managed significant yardage and connected for two touchdowns, highlighting his resilience and skill. The 49ers' defensive squad, instrumental in curbing the Bengals' momentum, forced crucial turnovers, underscoring their role in the team's strategic victories.
The 49ers' triumph, concluding a 26-21 victory, not only secured their first Super Bowl title but also underscored the emergence of a dynasty under Walsh's guidance. Reflecting on the season, this game was a testament to the 49ers' strategic innovation and team cohesion. The Bengals, despite the loss, showcased their competitive spirit, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would be remembered for years to come. This season, culminating in the 49ers' victory, set the stage for future NFL narratives, including playoff races, awards, and the evolving strategies of American football.
This was a rematch of the first NFC Championship Game played the previous season in...
Sideline Footage From Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers (NFC Championship) / This was a rematch of the first NFC Championship Game played the previous season in San Francisco. At the time, the NFL rotated hosting rights to playoff games between division champions. Under this format, the NFC East champion Cowboys had the right to host the 1971 title game. It was the fourth title game played by the Cowboys, and the 49ers' second title game appearance as an NFL team after the preceding season's game.
On October 24, 1971, the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions met at Tiger Stadium in...
1971 - Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions - NFL Radio Broadcast / On October 24, 1971, the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions met at Tiger Stadium in a closely contested NFC Central game. Both teams entered with 3-2 records, with the Bears led by quarterback Bobby Douglass and coach Jim Dooley, while the Lions, coached by Joe Schmidt, were guided by quarterback Greg Landry. Detroit, featuring standout players like wide receiver Chuck Hughes and running back Steve Owens, sought a crucial win to gain an edge in the divisional standings. This game, however, would tragically be marked by an unexpected event, casting a somber tone on a competitive season.
The game unfolded with back-and-forth scoring, as Chicago found the end zone first with a 21-yard run by Don Shy and a 54-yard touchdown pass from Douglass to George Farmer in the second quarter. Detroit answered with a 102-yard kickoff return by Ron Jessie and a touchdown reception by Larry Walton, pushing them to a slim lead by halftime. In the final minutes of the game, Chuck Hughes collapsed on the field after running a route. Despite efforts to revive him, Hughes was later pronounced dead due to a heart attack, marking the first time in NFL history a player died during a game.
Chicago won 28-23, improving to 4-2, though the result was overshadowed by Hughes’s passing. Detroit, who fell to 3-3, finished the game in shock and mourning. The incident deeply impacted the Lions, Hughes's family, and the entire NFL community. This game remains a somber chapter in NFL history, remembered not only for the fierce rivalry but for the tragic loss that unfolded on the field.
#ChicagoBears #DetroitLions #ChuckHughes #BobbyDouglass #GregLandry #NFL1971 #TigerStadium
In 1971, Morton began the season as the starter, but after a loss to the...
Roger Staubach Discusses a Late Hit He Received In Philadelphia And Craig Morton / In 1971, Morton began the season as the starter, but after a loss to the New Orleans Saints, Staubach assumed the role. However, in a game against the Chicago Bears during the seventh week of that season, coach Tom Landry alternated Staubach and Morton on each play, sending in the quarterbacks with the play call from the sideline. Dallas gained almost 500 yards of offense but committed seven turnovers that resulted in a 23–19 loss to a mediocre Bears squad that dropped the Cowboys to 4–3 for the season, two games behind the Washington Redskins in the NFC East race.
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I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.