Super Bowl XVII
Washington defeats Miami 27-17 in Pasadena with John Riggins earning MVP honors under coach Joe Gibbs.
In this matchup, the Washington Redskins faced the Miami Dolphins. The game concluded with a final score of 27-17, securing the victory for Washington. John Riggins was named the Most Valuable Player for his performance as a running back. Head Coach Joe Gibbs led the team to this championship, which stands as one of their key titles during the early 1980s.
- Location
- Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
- Winner
- Washington Redskins
- Opponent
- Miami Dolphins
- Final Score
- 27-17
- MVP
- John Riggins (Running Back)
- Head Coach
- Joe Gibbs
Lore & Background
This contest was part of a sequence where the Washington Redskins made consecutive Super Bowl appearances, specifically appearing in both Super Bowls XVII and XVIII. While no franchise has ever won three titles in a row, several teams have achieved back-to-back victories. The Miami Dolphins are notable for having won consecutive championships in Super Bowls VII and VIII, capping off the only perfect season in NFL history with their first win. In contrast, Washington's victory in XVII marked a significant milestone in their franchise history under Gibbs, contributing to an era of sustained success that saw them secure multiple titles within a few years.
In Their Own Story
The Washington Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins with a final score of 27-17. John Riggins delivered the standout performance that earned him the MVP award for his role as running back. Under the guidance of Head Coach Joe Gibbs, the team executed their game plan to secure the win. This victory added to the list of franchises that have won consecutive Super Bowls, joining teams like the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers who achieved similar feats in different eras.
Reader's Guide
John Riggins was named MVP for his running back performance. Joe Gibbs served as the head coach for the winning team. This appearance counts as one of two consecutive Super Bowl appearances for Washington, placing them among twelve teams with at least two straight trips to the championship game.
Did You Know?
- The Washington Redskins made consecutive Super Bowl appearances in XVII and XVIII.
- Only two franchises have ever won the Super Bowl while hosting at their home stadiums: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams.
- No franchise has ever won three Super Bowls in a row, though several teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers have won back-to-back titles twice.
- The Miami Dolphins capped off the only perfect season in NFL history with their victory in Super Bowl VII.
Historical Context and League Structure
The contest was held in an American city, chosen three to four years beforehand, usually at warm-weather sites or domed stadiums. Since January 1971, the winner of the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game has faced the winner of the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game in the culmination of the NFL playoffs. The winner receives the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Team Streaks and Consecutive Appearances
The Washington Redskins are noted for appearing in two consecutive Super Bowls, specifically Super Bowls XVII and XVIII. Including this streak, 12 teams have at least two consecutive appearances. While no franchise has won three Super Bowls in a row, several have had eras of sustained success.
Championship Dominance and Perfect Seasons
Eight franchises have won consecutive Super Bowls. The Miami Dolphins capped off the only perfect season in NFL history with their victory in Super Bowl VII. Although no franchise to date has won three Super Bowls in a row, several have had eras of sustained success.
Venue Selection and Hosting Records
The contest is held in an American city, chosen three to four years beforehand, usually at warm-weather sites or domed stadiums. Only two franchises have ever won the Super Bowl while hosting at their home stadiums: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV and the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Super Bowl XVII played?
The game took place on January 30, 1983, at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California.
Which teams competed for the championship title?
The Washington Redskins faced off against the heavily favored Miami Dolphins in this NFC showdown.
What was the final score of the game?
Washington defeated their opponents with a decisive final score of 27-17 to claim the victory.
Who received the Super Bowl MVP award?
Running back John Riggins earned Most Valuable Player honors following his legendary performance on the field.
Why is this game significant for the franchise?
This title marked Washington's first Super Bowl championship since entering the modern era, cementing the Joe Gibbs dynasty.
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