2006 superbowl
The ‘Motor City’ hosted the 2006 Super Bowl at Ford Field pitting the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC Champs) against Seattle’s Seahwaks (winner of the NFC playoffs). Super Bowl 2006 was the 40th anniversary of the first World Championship played in 1967. The February 5, 2006 super bowl would have the Steelers seeking their coveted ‘one for the thumb’ as the 5th super bowl ring of their teams career. A feat sought after since their last super bowl appearance in 1980.
The Seattle Seahawks had their first appearance in a super bowl, while the Steelers were no stranger, the 2006 super bowl would be their 6th time in the championship game. Because of their strong showing at previous Super Bowls, the Steelers were able to capitalize on the ‘rookie’ Seahawks, who inevitably made quite a few mistakes in the game. Early scoring by Seattle did not help their later game as they became subject to several mistakes, inlcuding quite a few penalties and dropped balls. The end of the First quarter had the Seahawks leading with 3-0, however, with less than 2 minutes left in the first half Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ran a 1 yard sneak, putting the half time score at 7-3, Steelers.
On the very first drive of the second half, the Steelers scored when Willie Parker made a record 75-yard touchdown run. The lead would close in as The Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens made a 16-yard touchdown reception bringing the score to 14-10, Steelers.
In the fourth quarter Steelers Randle El locked up the game with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward (Wide Receiver) in a fake reverse play. The 21-10 Steelers lead would be too much for the Seahawks to overcome and ultimately left Seattle with no options or chance to win the 2006 Super Bowl.
With the Steelers 2006 Super Bowl win, this ties them for the most Super Bowls won with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Another record at the 2006 Super Bowl was Ben Roethlisberger, being the youngest quarterback to ever win a super bowl at 23 years and 11 months, despite having the lowest quarterback rating (22.6) ever by a Super Bowl winning quarterback.
The 2006 Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award went to wide receiver Hines Ward for completing 123 yards in 5 receptions, this culminated his outstanding regular season and 10 year career.