On This Day in Sports: February 4, 2007
On February 4, 2007, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29–17 in Super Bowl XLI at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens. The first Super Bowl played in steady rain began with a jolt when Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. Chicago led 14–6 early, but Indianapolis refused to chase the game recklessly. Peyton Manning settled into short completions, and the Colts leaned on Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes to control possession on a slick field.
Indianapolis took the lead before halftime on Rhodes’s one-yard touchdown run and entered the break ahead 16–14. The Colts’ offense held the ball for more than 38 minutes, running 81 plays and steadily tiring the Bears’ defense. Manning completed 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Rhodes added 113 rushing yards, while Addai contributed as both a runner and receiver. The methodical approach reduced the effect of the weather and kept Hester from receiving another returnable kickoff.
Chicago remained within five points until the fourth quarter. Then Kelvin Hayden intercepted Rex Grossman’s pass and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown, creating the decisive 29–17 margin. The Colts forced five turnovers and limited Chicago to eleven first downs. Their defense, criticized throughout the regular season, played its best football in the postseason and again delivered when the offense needed protection.
The victory brought Indianapolis its first championship since the Colts moved from Baltimore and gave Manning the Super Bowl title that had become the missing piece in his résumé. Tony Dungy also became the first Black head coach to win the Super Bowl, one year after he and Chicago coach Lovie Smith became the first two Black head coaches to reach the game. Super Bowl XLI endured as a lesson in adaptability: the Colts arrived known for precision passing, then won through rushing, patience, takeaways and a defense peaking at exactly the right time.
Hester returned the opening kickoff 92 yards, the first opening-kick touchdown in Super Bowl history.
Heavy rain forced both teams to manage a wet ball and a slippery field for the entire game.
Rhodes rushed for 113 yards as Indianapolis controlled possession for more than 38 minutes.
Hayden’s 56-yard interception return in the fourth quarter created the final margin.
Manning was named MVP after passing for 247 yards and directing the patient comeback.
Dungy became the first Black head coach to win the Super Bowl.
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