Has the NFL Super Bowl ever gone to overtime?
Has the NFL Super Bowl ever gone to overtime?
By Jason Bolton January 30, 2024 03:27
The NFL Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League, is one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States and around the world. Overtime in football occurs when the score is tied at the end of regulation play, and an additional period is played to determine the winner. The question of whether the Super Bowl has ever gone to overtime is an intriguing one, and it has an interesting history.
The Super Bowl Format
The Super Bowl follows the standard format of four 15-minute quarters for regulation play. If the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the game proceeds to overtime. In overtime, a coin toss determines which team gets the first possession, and the first team to score wins the game. If neither team scores in the first possession, the game continues under sudden death rules until a winner is determined.
Super Bowl History
Since the first Super Bowl in 1967, the game has seen numerous thrilling moments, but it wasn't until relatively recently that the Super Bowl went to overtime.
Super Bowl LI (51) - Patriots vs. Falcons
The first and, as of now, the only Super Bowl to go into overtime occurred in Super Bowl LI, which was played on February 5, 2017, between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. The game took place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Patriots, led by quarterback Tom Brady, overcame a 25-point deficit to tie the game at 28-28 at the end of regulation play. This marked the first time in Super Bowl history that the game went into overtime.
Overtime Drama
In the overtime period of Super Bowl LI, the New England Patriots won the coin toss, giving them the first possession. They capitalized on this opportunity, driving down the field and scoring a touchdown, securing a 34-28 victory over the Falcons. This historic comeback and the first-ever overtime in a Super Bowl made the game an instant classic and solidified Tom Brady's status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Impact and Legacy
The overtime victory in Super Bowl LI added another layer of excitement and drama to an already prestigious event. It showcased the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the game of football, leaving a lasting impression on fans and players alike.
the NFL Super Bowl has gone to overtime only once in its illustrious history, occurring in Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. The game provided football fans with a remarkable display of skill, determination, and resilience, and it will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Super Bowl history. As the NFL continues to produce unforgettable moments, the possibility of future overtime games in the Super Bowl adds an extra element of anticipation for fans around the world.