The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29–17 in the first Super Bowl played in rain, with Peyton Manning named MVP.
Key Facts
- Final Score
- Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago Bears 17
- MVP
- Peyton Manning (25/38, 247 yards, 1 TD)
- TV Viewership
- 93.2 million average viewers
- Opening Kickoff Return
- Devin Hester, 92 yards in 14 seconds
- Halftime Show Peak Viewers
- 140 million
- Colts Last Championship
- Super Bowl V (1971)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Indianapolis Colts (AFC, 12–4) and Chicago Bears (NFC, 13–3) each won their respective conference championships for the 2006 NFL season, earning berths in the Super Bowl. Both franchises carried long absences from the championship game, with the Colts last appearing in Super Bowl V and the Bears last appearing in Super Bowl XX.
Played on February 4, 2007, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Super Bowl XLI was the first Super Bowl contested in rainy conditions. After falling behind 14–6, the Colts outscored the Bears 23–3 over the final three quarters. Peyton Manning was named MVP, and Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden returned an interception 56 yards for a touchdown.
The Colts' 29–17 victory was the first NFL championship won by an Indianapolis-based team and the first Super Bowl title for an AFC South franchise. Prince's halftime performance peaked at 140 million viewers and received widespread critical acclaim. The game ranked as the fifth most-watched program in U.S. television history at the time.