Rare Photos From The First Super Bowl Show Just How Much The Big Game Has Changed
There's nothing quite like the Super Bowl, which sees roughly 100 million people tune in for high-octane football, dazzling halftime performances, and cameo-studded commercials. But of course, the big game wasn't always this way. The first edition of the Super Bowl took place in 1967, and though many of the hallmarks of the championship were there, it's startling to see just how different it was compared to our modern spectacle. Fortunately, plenty of sharp-eyed photographers were on hand to capture all of the most memorable moments.
1. A full head of steam
Stopping fullback Jim Taylor was no easy feat. With 56 yards under his belt, the Packers star had the most rushing success of any player in Super Bowl I, plus he tacked on a touchdown for good measure. The tough-as-nails Hall of Fame inductee explained, "You got to enjoy punishment because you are going to deliver so much of it, and you are going to get so much of it."
2. Building up hype
More recent Super Bowls feature a flood of slick advertisements, but in 1967, these promos were a little more quaint. This poster shows four key figures — Len Dawson and Coach Hank Stram of the Chiefs and Bart Starr and Coach Vince Lombardi of the Packers — superimposed over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
3. Hut, hut, hike!
This snapshot shows quarterback Bart Starr, who threw for 250 yards that day, shouting out the play to his team. Oddly enough, his squad could probably hear him just fine, as there were well over 30,000 empty seats at the arena. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum charged up to $12 for tickets, which back then was enough to drive away many fans.
4. Old-school cheerleaders
Well, cheerleading outfits have certainly come a long way! The ones featured in this photo look more like school uniforms, though there's no denying the enthusiasm that these women brought to the field. Here, they're pumping up Chiefs running back Mike Garrett as he prepares to play the biggest game of his young life.
