Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 10, a game that would go down in history as one of the most thrilling and dramatic championship matchups in NFL history. This contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys took place on January 18, 1976, at the Miami Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become a classic Super Bowl showdown. The 1975 NFL season was a year of redemption for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers were the defending Super Bowl champions, having won their first title the previous year. They were looking to prove that their success was not a fluke and to establish themselves as a dynasty. The Cowboys, on the other hand, were seeking to reclaim their place at the top of the NFL after a few years of playoff disappointments. The Steelers, led by head coach Chuck Noll, had built a powerhouse team through shrewd drafting and player development. Their defense, known as the "Steel Curtain," was one of the most dominant units in NFL history. Led by defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene, the Steelers' defense was nearly impenetrable. The linebacking corps was equally impressive, featuring Jack Lambert, a fierce competitor known for his intensity on the field. On offense, the Steelers were led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw. While Bradshaw had struggled with consistency early in his career, he was now coming into his own as a leader and playmaker. His primary targets were wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both of whom were emerging as star players. The Steelers' running game was anchored by Franco Harris, a powerful back who had rushed for over 1,000 yards during the regular season. Harris was complemented by Rocky Bleier, who provided a change of pace and was an excellent blocker. The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, were looking to return to the Super Bowl after a few years of falling short in the playoffs. Led by innovative head coach Tom Landry, the Cowboys had earned the nickname "America's Team" due to their popularity and success throughout the Nineteen seventies. The Cowboys' offense was led by quarterback Roger Staubach, known for his ability to scramble and make plays under pressure. Staubach's favorite target was Drew Pearson, a sure-handed receiver who had a knack for making big plays in crucial moments. The Cowboys also had a strong running game, featuring fullback Robert Newhouse and the versatile Preston Pearson. On defense, the Cowboys boasted their famous "Doomsday Defense," featuring players like defensive tackle Randy White and safety Cliff Harris. This unit had been the backbone of the Cowboys' success for years, known for their ability to create turnovers and shut down opposing offenses. As game day approached, there was significant drama surrounding the Steelers' star receiver, Lynn Swann. Two weeks before the Super Bowl, Swann had suffered a severe concussion in the AFC Championship game against the Oakland Raiders. His status for the Super Bowl was in doubt right up until game time, with many wondering if he would be able to play or how effective he would be if he did take the field. On January 18, 1976, a record crowd of 80,187 fans packed into the Miami Orange Bowl, paying an average of $20 for a ticket (equivalent to about $91 today). The atmosphere was electric as the two storied franchises prepared to face off for the NFL championship. The game began with an explosive play that set the tone for the excitement to come. On the opening kickoff, the Cowboys ran a reverse play where linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson took a handoff from Preston Pearson and returned the ball a Super Bowl record 48 yards before being forced out of bounds by Steelers kicker Roy Gerela. This play not only energized the Cowboys and their fans but also resulted in an injury to Gerela, who suffered bruised ribs that would affect his kicking throughout the game. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. The Steelers' defense, true to form, sacked Staubach on the very first play from scrimmage, a sign of things to come as they would sack the Cowboys' quarterback seven times throughout the game. The Cowboys struck first blood late in the first quarter. Staubach connected with Drew Pearson on a 29 yard touchdown pass, giving Dallas a 7 to zero lead. This was a significant moment, as it marked the first time all season that the Steelers' vaunted "Steel Curtain" defense had allowed a touchdown in the first quarter. The Steelers, however, were quick to respond. Early in the second quarter, they put together a drive that showcased their offensive capabilities. The key play came when Bradshaw found Lynn Swann for a spectacular 32 yard reception along the sideline. Swann, despite his recent concussion, made an acrobatic catch, leaping over cornerback ...
