No Two Teams Have Met

NO TWO TEAMS HAVE MET more often in football’s biggest game than the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Super Bowl XXX on January 28, 1996, these teams clashed for the third time.

While Pittsburgh had won the previous two matchups, the Steelers trailed 13–7 at halftime. Dallas added to its lead midway through the third quarter when cornerback Larry Brown intercepted quarterback Neil O’Donnell’s errant pass. Returning the ball to the 18-yard line, the Cowboys capitalized on the mistake with Emmitt Smith scoring from the 1.

But the Steelers kept battling. Answering the Cowboys’ score with a field goal and a touchdown, the Steelers cut the margin to 20–17.

And with 4:15 remaining in the game, Pittsburgh went on offense on its own 32-yard line. But on the second play of the do-or-die drive, O’Donnell underthrew his receiver. Brown broke perfectly on the ball and grabbed his second interception, taking the ball 33 yards to the Steelers 6-yard line. Two plays later, Smith scored from 4 yards out and secured a 27–17 Super Bowl win.

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POINT For Larry Brown’s opportune interceptions, he was named the game’s MVP—only the fifth defensive player to win the award. The honor capped a bittersweet season for Brown. Enduring criticism for penalties and defensive lapses, the 12th-round pick out of Texas Christian nearly lost his starting spot.

Winning this award energized Brown’s career, just like winning the game energized the Cowboys.

God loves it when we win awards. He wants us to use the talents he gives us to claim the prize. And when we win, we should thank God for the good and perfect gifts that he gives each one of us.

GOAL! You can find information about football’s MVPs at the library or by searching the Super Bowl Web site. Always remember you’re an MVP to the heavenly Father. That’s an awesome reason to thank him.