SUPER BOWL XXXI

Super Bowl XXXI was a highly anticipated matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots. The game took place on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

The Packers started strong. In the first quarter, quarterback Brett Favre threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Andre Rison, giving the Packers an early lead. With the Packers up 10-0, the Patriots responded with a touchdown of their own, as quarterback Drew Bledsoe connected with Keith Byars.

In the second quarter, the Packers took control of the game, outscoring the Patriots 17-0. Favre hit Antonio Freeman for an 81 yard TD pass early in the second. The regular season MVP would call his own number and punch it in from one yard out. In between those two TDs, the Packers' Chris Jacke kicked a 31-yard FG. Packers went into halftime with a 27-14 lead.

The third quarter saw the Patriots close within six on a TD run by Curtis Martin. Just when the Patrtios were feeling like they were back in the game, their hopes were dashed on the ensuing kickoff.

Desmond Howard, the Packers' return specialist, returned the kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, providing a significant momentum shift. The Packers added a two-point conversation to go up 35-21, which would be the final score.

Howard's impressive performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP title. He became the first special teams player to receive that honor, largely due to his electrifying kickoff return for a touchdown. The Packers remained undefeated in Super Bowl play (3-0) while the Patriots remained winless (0-2).