Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers first to six as the Cardinals fall short
Super Bowl XLIII was played on February 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Pittsburgh Steelers, champions of the AFC, faced off against the Arizona Cardinals, champions of the NFC.
The Steelers, led by second-year head coach Mike Tomlin, improved, finishing with a record of 12-4. They won their division and then defeated the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional round. In the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, they won 23-14, their third victory of the season against the Ravens.
Former Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes takes a selfie with Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison and Brett Keisel during a group photo to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Super Bowl XLIII Sunday at Heinz Field. https://t.co/q5tjE4O9Wg
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led the team's offense, completing 328 passes for 3,301 yards and 17 touchdowns. The defense was led by safety Troy Polamalu, who recorded seven interceptions and 2.5 sacks that season. Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, who recorded 16 sacks that campaign.
The Cardinals also had a successful regular season, finishing with a record of 9-7. They won their division and defeated the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers, and the Philadelphia Eagles to advance to the big game.
Two-time MVP quarterback Kurt Warner led the team's offense, completing 401 passes for 4,583 yards and 30 touchdowns in a renaissance season. Warner suffered from injuries and lost the starting job at the Rams (where he won a Super Bowl) and the New York Giants. He also lost the starting position at the Cardinals to Matt Leinart, only to win it back.
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers come out on top as James Harrison makes history
The game was a tough slog, with the Steelers coming out on top in the end. The Cardinals had a chance to win the game with a touchdown in the final minutes after a terrific fourth quarter to get back into the game. However, the Steelers' defense, led by James Harrison, was able to stop the Cardinals on their final drive.
Not only that, Harrison recorded an interception and ran it back 100 yards for a touchdown, the longest in Super Bowl history.
James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII ... Legendary. #Steelers https://t.co/0KXQwarlZu
Ben Roethlisberger threw for 256 yards and a touchdown as the Steelers won by a score of 27-23. Santonio Holmes was the main threat at wide receiver and was named MVP after his nine receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown.