January 9, 1977: Super Bowl XI was a matchup between the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. The Raiders dominated, winning the franchise's first NFL title, 32-14.
The game was notable for several reasons. The Vikings were making their fourth Super Bowl appearance with Fran Tarkenton at quarterback, and had lost the previous three. Oakland was trying to win after losing in Super Bowl II. The Raiders set a record for most yards in a Super Bowl half (288) and yards for a game (429). The game's MVP was Fred Biletnikoff, who had 4 catches for 79 yards, but his receptions were key to setting up 3 Raiders touchdowns. Biletnikoff is the only Super Bowl receiver to win MVP with under 100 yards.
The Raiders were 13-1 under coach John Madden and QB Ken Stabler in the regular season, while the Vikings under coach Bud Grant were 11-2-1. The high-powered Vikings offense was stifled for most of the game, with Oakland leading 16-0 at halftime. Willie Brown's 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter was the dagger.
The Raiders would win two more Super Bowl in 1981 and 1984 (as the Los Angeles Raiders), while Minnesota would never even make it back to the big game.
Enjoy highlights of the game:
Here's to you Oakland Raiders and your first title.
