Super Bowl XLV: Rodgers reigns supreme
Super Bowl XLV was played on February 6, 2011, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Green Bay Packers, champions of the NFC, faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, champions of the AFC.
The Packers had a solid regular season, finishing with a record of 10-6. Entering the playoffs as the 6th seed, they then defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game to advance to the Super Bowl. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the team's offense, completing 312 passes for 3,922 yards and 28 touchdowns, and the defense was led by defensive end Clay Matthews, who recorded 13.5 sacks that season alongside AJ Hawk, who had 111 tackles and 3 interceptions.
The Steelers also had a successful regular season, finishing with a record of 12-4. They won their division and then defeated the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl XLV. Super Bowl XLV was the Steelers' 8th appearance, tying the Dallas Cowboys for the most ever. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led the team's offense, completing 280 passes for 3,200 yards and 17 touchdowns, with Mike Wallace his main threat. The defense led the league in sacks with 48, with James Harrison accounting for 10. Safety Troy Polamalu won Defensive Player of the Year by recording 7 interceptions that season.
Super Bowl XLV
The game was mostly a one-sided affair, with the Packers dominating throughout, jumping to a 21-3 lead before the Steelers brought it back to 28-25 midway through the fourth quarter. The Packers kicked a field goal to go 31-25 up with 2:08 remaining. The Packers' defense held the Steelers scoreless on their final drive to win. Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns, was named the MVP of the Super Bowl XLV after his outstanding performance. The win marked the Packers' fourth Super Bowl victory in franchise history and 13th overall NFL championship.