# 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season

The 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 42nd in the National Football League (NFL). They improved to a 10–3–1 regular-season record, won the AFC Central division title, sending them to the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and won a Super Bowl championship, the first league title in Steelers' history. This was the first of six consecutive AFC Central division titles for the Steelers, and the first of four Super Bowl championships in the same time period.
The Steelers also made history by playing in the NFL's first-ever regular season overtime game, the league having introduced a 15-minute sudden-death period to break ties. Their Week 2 contest against the Denver Broncos nevertheless ended in a 35–35 tie. As of 2023 no other team has ever won the Super Bowl after recording a tie in the overtime era.
On March 9, 2007, NFL Network aired an episode of America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions that covered the 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers, with team commentary from Franco Harris, Joe Greene, and Andy Russell, and narrated by Ed Harris.

## Offseason
### NFL Draft

During the offseason, the Steelers held their training camp in St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
During the 1974 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft WR Lynn Swann in Round 1, LB Jack Lambert in Round 2, WR John Stallworth in Round 4, and C Mike Webster in Round 5, and they also signed S Donnie Shell as an undrafted free agent. All five would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As of 2014, the 1974 Steelers are the only team in NFL history to select four Hall of Fame players in one single draft.
1974 Pittsburgh Steelers draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Notes |
| 1 | 21 | Lynn Swann $^†$ | WR | USC | given #88 |
| 2 | 46 | Jack Lambert $^†$ | LB | Kent State | 1974 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, given #58 |
| 4 | 82 | John Stallworth $^†$ | WR | Alabama A&M | given #82 |
| 4 | 100 | Jimmy Allen | S | UCLA | given #45 |
| 5 | 125 | Mike Webster $^†$ | C | Wisconsin | Alternated with Ray Mansfield for the rest of Ray's career, given #52 |
| 6 | 149 | Jim Wolf | DE | Prairie View A&M | given #62 |
| 6 | 150 | Rick Druschel | Guard | North Carolina State | given #46 |
| 7 | 165 | Allen Sitterle | T | North Carolina State | |
| 7 | 179 | Scott Garske | TE | Eastern Washington | |
| 8 | 204 | Mark Gefert | LB | Purdue | |
| 9 | 223 | Tommy Reamon | RB | Missouri | played for the WFL in 1974 |
| 9 | 229 | Charlie Davis | DT | TCU | given #77 |
| 10 | 243 | Jim Kregel | G | Ohio State | |
| 10 | 254 | Dave Atkinson | DB | BYU | |
| 11 | 283 | Dick Morton | RB | Arkansas | |
| 12 | 308 | Hugh Lickiss | LB | Simpson | |
| 13 | 333 | Frank Kolch | QB | Eastern Michigan | |
| 14 | 333 | Bruce Henley | DB | Rice | |
| 15 | 387 | Larry Hunt | DT | Iowa State | |
| 16 | 412 | Octavus Morgan | LB | Illinois | |
| 17 | 437 | Larry Moore | DE | Angelo State | |
| Made roster † Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

## Preseason

In the 1974 preseason, the Steelers went 6–0 and were the only undefeated team in the NFL. However, most of the talk was centered around the NFL's first successful black quarterback, Joe Gilliam. Chuck Noll started Gilliam in the preseason and after it ended, Noll started him for the first few games of the regular season. Gilliam's stellar performance in the preseason sparked a quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh.

## Regular season

Following playoff appearances in both of the two previous seasons, the Steelers appeared to be in great shape after finishing the preseason as the only undefeated team in the NFL. After the first two regular season games, the Steelers had scored a total of 65 points and were 1–0–1, but then lost to the Oakland Raiders at home. The play of the Steelers' starting quarterback at the time, Joe Gilliam, continually deteriorated. By week 7, the Steelers were 4–1–1 and Gilliam was benched for Terry Bradshaw during a win against the Atlanta Falcons. Bradshaw won the next two games, but after a loss in Cincinnati, Noll benched Bradshaw again, this time in favor of Terry Hanratty (who had been selected in the 1969 draft). However, Hanratty played horribly in Cleveland. The offense was struggling, but the Steelers had won those tough games behind the still-maturing Steel Curtain defense. When Bradshaw was brought back into the starting lineup, the Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns and the New Orleans Saints (in a game in which Bradshaw ran for more yards than he passed for). After a loss to Houston, the Steelers played the most important game of their regular season in New England. A win over the Patriots would clinch the AFC Central division title for the Steelers and put them in the playoffs for the third straight year. The Steelers defeated the Patriots, then beat the Cincinnati Bengals, and awaited the playoffs.

## Playoffs

In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Steelers played the Buffalo Bills. Sports Illustrated's Dan Jenkins wrote that Pittsburgh was "the only team to reach the playoffs without a quarterback". However, the Steelers dominated Buffalo and held its star running back O. J. Simpson to 49 yards rushing (it was Simpson's only playoff game appearance).
In the 1974 AFC Championship game, the Steelers played an old foe, the Oakland Raiders. Each year, their rivalry was escalating: they had met in the playoffs the previous two seasons. In 1972, the Steelers won in Pittsburgh; in 1973, the Raiders returned the favor in Oakland. In this third playoff meeting, the Steelers were ready for anything the Raiders could throw at them. Using the new "Stunt 4–3 defense" the Steelers held the Raiders to 29 yards rushing as the Steelers themselves ran for over 200 yards in Oakland. After a Franco Harris touchdown run, the Steelers clinched their first Super Bowl appearance in club history (and their first league championship game appearance).

### Super Bowl IX

The Steelers met the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX. Both teams had a hard time in the rough weather conditions at old Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. After many exchanges of punts, the Steelers finally scored a safety on a bobbled handoff by Viking quarterback Fran Tarkenton. The score at the half was 2–0. The Steel Curtain continually dominated the Vikings. Vikings coach Bud Grant tried to run at the strength of the Steel Curtain, but they were shut down. The only points Minnesota scored came from a blocked punt that the Vikings recovered in the end zone for a touchdown; the subsequent extra point attempt was blocked. After the MVP performance by running back Franco Harris (34 carries for a then-Super Bowl-record 158 yards and a touchdown), the Steelers came away with a 16–6 victory. It was the first league title in Steelers history.

## 1974 schedules
### Preseason schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue |
| 1 | August 3 | at New Orleans Saints | W 26–7 | 1–0 | Tulane Stadium |
| 2 | August 12 | Chicago Bears | W 50–21 | 2–0 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 3 | August 17 | at Philadelphia Eagles | W 33–30$_{(OT)}$ | 3–0 | Veterans Stadium |
| 4 | August 24 | New York Giants | W 17–7 | 4–0 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 5 | August 30 | at Washington Redskins | W 21–19 | 5–0 | RFK Stadium |
| 6 | September 5 | Dallas Cowboys | W 41–15 | 6–0 | Texas Stadium |

### Regular season schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | TV | Result | Record | Venue |
| 1 | September 15 | Baltimore Colts | NBC | W 30–0 | 1–0 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 2 | September 22 | at Denver Broncos | NBC | T 35–35$_{(OT)}$ | 1–0–1 | Mile High Stadium |
| 3 | September 29 | Oakland Raiders | NBC | L 0–17 | 1–1–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 4 | October 6 | at Houston Oilers | NBC | W 13–7 | 2–1–1 | Astrodome |
| 5 | October 13 | at Kansas City Chiefs | NBC | W 34–24 | 3–1–1 | Arrowhead Stadium |
| 6 | October 20 | Cleveland Browns | NBC | W 20–16 | 4–1–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 7 | October 28 | Atlanta Falcons | ABC | W 24–17 | 5–1–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 8 | November 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | CBS | W 27–0 | 6–1–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 9 | November 10 | at Cincinnati Bengals | NBC | L 10–17 | 6–2–1 | Riverfront Stadium |
| 10 | November 17 | at Cleveland Browns | NBC | W 26–16 | 7–2–1 | Cleveland Municipal Stadium |
| 11 | November 25 | at New Orleans Saints | ABC | W 28–7 | 8–2–1 | Tulane Stadium |
| 12 | December 1 | Houston Oilers | NBC | L 10–13 | 8–3–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| 13 | December 8 | at New England Patriots | NBC | W 21–17 | 9–3–1 | Schaefer Stadium |
| 14 | December 14 | Cincinnati Bengals | NBC | W 27–3 | 10–3–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |||||||

### Postseason schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | TV | Result | Record | Venue |
| Divisional | December 22 | Buffalo Bills | NBC | W 32–14 | 11–3–1 | Three Rivers Stadium |
| AFC Championship | December 29 | at Oakland Raiders | NBC | W 24–13 | 12–3–1 | Oakland Coliseum |
| Super Bowl IX | January 12 | Minnesota Vikings | NBC | W 16–6 | 13–3–1 | Old Tulane Stadium |

### Standings

AFC Central :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 10 | 3 | 1 | .750 | 4–2 | 7–3–1 | 305 | 189 | W2 |
| Houston Oilers | 7 | 7 | 0 | .500 | 4–2 | 7–4 | 236 | 282 | W1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 7 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 5–6 | 283 | 259 | L3 |
| Cleveland Browns | 4 | 10 | 0 | .286 | 1–5 | 3–8 | 251 | 344 | L2 |

## Game summaries
### Week 1 (Sunday, September 15, 1974): vs. Baltimore Colts

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts (0–1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steelers (1–0) | 3 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 30 |
at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 15, 1974
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 72 °F or 22.2 °C, relative humidity 69%, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 48,890
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play by play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| BAL | Passing | Bert Jones | 8/17, 100 YDS, 2 INTs |
| BAL | Rushing | Lydell Mitchell | 9 CAR, 44 YDS |
| BAL | Receiving | Glenn Doughty | 3 CAR, 58 YDS |
| PIT | Passing | Joe Gilliam | 18/37, 289 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| PIT | Rushing | Franco Harris | 13 CAR, 49 YDS, 1 TD |
| PIT | Receiving | Randy Grossman | 3 REC, 52 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | BAL | PIT |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gerela | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Swann 61-yard touchdown reception from Gilliam, Gerela kick no good | 0 | 9 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Lewis 4-yard touchdown reception from Gilliam, Gerela kick good | 0 | 16 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Harris 4-yard touchdown run, Gerela kick good | 0 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Fuqua 4-yard touchdown run, Gerela kick good | 0 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 30 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 0 hours, 0 minutes
| Colts | Game Statistics | Steelers |
| 11 | First downs | 18 |
| 34–118 | Rushes–yards | 29–103 |
| 102 | Passing yards | 289 |
| 9–20–2 | Passes | 18–37–1 |
| 6–54 | Sacked–yards | 0–0 |
| 48 | Net passing yards | 289 |
| 166 | Total yards | 392 |
| 98 | Return yards | 73 |
| 8–33.3 | Punts | 4–45.5 |
| 3–2 | Fumbles–lost | 3–1 |
| 3–20 | Penalties–yards | 4–32 |
In week 1, the Steelers started #17 Joe Gilliam as he completed 17 of his 31 passes for 257 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. Gilliam became the first African-American quarterback in league history to play in a game as the designated opening-day starter. The defense held Baltimore to 166 total yards and forced 4 turnovers in the shutout win.

### Week 2 (Sunday, September 22, 1974): at Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Steelers (1–0–1) | 7 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 35 |
| Broncos (0–1–1) | 21 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 35 |
at Mile High Stadium • Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 22, 1974
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 57 °F or 13.9 °C, relative humidity 48%, wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 51,068
* Referee: Tommy Bell
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play by play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| PIT | Passing | Joe Gilliam | 31/50, 348 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
| PIT | Rushing | Franco Harris | 20 CAR, 70 YDS |
| PIT | Receiving | Franco Harris | 9 REC, 84 YDS |
| DEN | Passing | Charley Johnson | 6/15, 129 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| DEN | Rushing | Otis Armstrong | 19 CAR, 131 YDS |
| DEN | Receiving | Otis Armstrong | 5 REC, 86 YDS, 2 TDs |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | PIT | DEN |
| 1 | 11:10 | 1 | 45 | 0:07 | Broncos | Armstrong 45-yard touchdown reception from Johnson, Turner kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 9:52 | 3 | 73 | 1:18 | Steelers | Davis 61-yard touchdown reception from Gilliam, Gerela kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | 7:07 | 8 | 59 | 2:45 | Broncos | Moses 7-yard touchdown reception from Johnson, Turner kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 1 | 5:44 | 1 | 1 | 0:07 | Broncos | Keyworth 1-yard touchdown run, Turner kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 2 | 0:52 | 17 | 87 | 8:06 | Steelers | Gilliam 1-yard touchdown run, Gerela kick good | 14 | 21 |
| 3 | 9:36 | 7 | 37 | 4:24 | Steelers | Davis 1-yard touchdown run, Gerela kick good | 21 | 21 |
| 3 | 3:12 | 3 | 41 | 1:41 | Broncos | Odoms 3-yard touchdown reception from Ramsey, Turner kick good | 21 | 28 |
| 3 | 0:07 | 6 | 73 | 3:05 | Steelers | Davis 1-yard touchdown run, Gerela kick good | 28 | 28 |
| 4 | 13:01 | 4 | 16 | 1:48 | Steelers | Fuqua 1-yard touchdown run, Gerela kick good | 35 | 28 |
| 4 | 7:08 | 3 | 50 | 2:21 | Broncos | Armstrong 23-yard touchdown reception from Ramsey, Turner kick good | 35 | 35 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 35 | 35 |
* Point spread:
* Over/Under:
* Time of Game: 3 hours, 7 minutes
| Steelers | Game Statistics | Broncos |
| 33 | First downs | 20 |
| 40–160 | Rushes–yards | 37–156 |
| 348 | Passing yards | 191 |
| 31–50–2 | Passes | 12–27–2 |
| 3–24 | Sacked–yards | 3–15 |
| 324 | Net passing yards | 176 |
| 484 | Total yards | 332 |
| 121 | Return yards | 145 |
| 6–41.7 | Punts | 7–44.4 |
| 3–2 | Fumbles–lost | 1–1 |
| 12–91 | Penalties–yards | 7–61 |
In week 2, the Steelers were carried to a 35–35 OT tie with #32 Franco Harris' running game and #17 Joe Gilliam's 348 passing yards. It was the first regular season overtime game in NFL history. Denver coach John Ralston said of Gilliam that "it was possibly the finest performance I have ever seen by a quarterback."

### Week 3 (Sunday, September 29, 1974): vs. Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Raiders (2–1) | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Steelers (1–1–1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Three Rivers Stadium • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 29, 1974
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 66 °F or 18.9 °C (Light Rain)
* Game attendance: 48,304
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV: NBC
Game Summaries :
week 1: vs. Baltimore Colts
Baltimore Colts (0–0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0–0)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Colts
0
0
000
Steelers
3
13
7730
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sunday, September 15Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 72 °F or 22.2 °C (Partly Cloudy)Game attendance: 48,890Referee: Gordon McCarterTV: NBC
Game information
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 31 3–0
Pittsburgh – Swann 54 pass from Gilliam (kick failed) 9–0
Pittsburgh – Lewis 4 pass from Gilliam (Gerela kick) 16–0
Pittsburgh – Harris 4 run (Gerela kick) 23–0
Pittsburgh – Fuqua 4 run (Gerela kick) 30–0
Top Passer: Joe Gilliam (PIT): 257 Yds
Top Rusher: Franco Harris (PIT): 49 Yds
Top Receiver: Lynn Swann (PIT): 94 Yds
In week 1, the Steelers started #17 Joe Gilliam as he completed 17 of his 31 passes for 257 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception. Gilliam became the first African-American quarterback in league history to play in a game as the designated opening-day starter. The defense held Baltimore to 166 total yards and forced 4 turnovers in the shutout win. (1–0)
week 2: at Denver Broncos
Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0) at Denver Broncos (0–1)
Quarter
1
2
34OTTotal
Steelers
7
7
147035
Broncos
21
0
77035
at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado
Date: Sunday, September 22Game time: 4 p.m., ETGame weather: 57 °F or 13.9 °C (Sunny)Game attendance: 50,858Referee: Tommy BellTV: NBC
Game information
Denver – Armstrong 45 pass from Johnson (Turner kick) 0–7
Pittsburgh – Davis 61 pass from Gilliam (Gerela kick) 7–7
Denver – Moses 7 pass from Johnson (Turner kick) 7–14
Denver – Keyworth 1 run (Turner kick) 7–21
Pittsburgh – Gilliam 1 run (Gerela kick) 14–21
Pittsburgh – Davis 1 run (Gerela kick) 21–21
Denver – Odoms 3 pass from Ramsey (Turner kick) 21–28
Pittsburgh – Davis 1 run (Gerela kick) 28–28
Pittsburgh – Fuqua 1 run (Gerela kick) 35–28
Denver – Armstrong 23 pass from Ramsey (Turner kick) 35–35
Top Passer: Joe Gilliam (PIT) 348Yds
Top Rusher: Otis Armstrong (DEN) 131Yds
Top Receiver: Otis Armstrong (DEN) 86Yds
In week 2, the Steelers were carried to a 35–35 OT tie with #32 Franco Harris' running game and #17 Joe Gilliam's 348 passing yards. It was the first regular season overtime game in NFL history. Denver coach John Ralston said of Gilliam that "it was possibly the finest performance I have ever seen by a quarterback." (1–0–1)
week 3: vs. Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders (1–1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1–0–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Raiders
7
10
0017
Steelers
0
0
000
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sunday, September 29Game time: 4 p.m., ETGame weather: 66 °F or 18.9 °C (Light Rain)Game attendance: 48,304Referee: Pat HaggertyTV: NBC
Game information
Oakland – Stabler 1 run (Blanda kick) 0–7
Oakland – Branch 19 pass from Stabler (Blanda kick) 0–14
Oakland – FG Blanda 35 0–17
In week 3, after 2 brilliant games by #17 Joe Gilliam, the Raiders came to Pittsburgh for a rematch of the 1973 Divisional Round Playoff game in which Oakland won. However, a fluttering Gilliam completed 10 of his 31 passed which laid the first defeat on Pittsburgh. To make things worse, #32 Franco Harris was injured and would miss the next 2 games. Damp and dark weather hung over the stadium and Terry Bradshaw's relief of Gilliam with a little under 2 minutes left in the game drew cheers from remaining fans. (1–1–1)
week 4: at Houston Oilers
Pittsburgh Steelers (1–1–1) at Houston Oilers (1–2–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
0
3
3713
Oilers
0
7
007
at Houston Astrodome, Houston, Texas
Date: Sunday, October 6Game time: 2 p.m., ETGame weather: Dome (indoors)Game attendance: 30,049Referee: Bob FredericTV: NBC
Game information
Houston – B. Johnson 47 run (Butler kick) 0–7
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 37 3–7
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 27 6–7
Pittsburgh – Pearson 9 run (Gerela kick) 13–7
In week 4, the Steelers recovered from the loss at home by beating Houston. #17 Joe Gilliam didn't recover completely; he threw for only 202 yards and 2 interceptions. However, on the game's lone touchdown drive, Gilliam completed 4 consecutive passes. Without #32 Franco Harris, the offense would continuously fall apart. (2–1–1)
week 5: at Kansas City Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers (2–1–1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2–2)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
7
17
10034
Chiefs
3
7
7724
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Date: Sunday, October 13Game time: 2 p.m., ETGame weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °CGame attendance: 65,517Referee: Bernie UlmanTV: NBC
Game information
Kansas City – FG Stenerud 31 0–3
Pittsburgh – Bleier 2 run (Gerela kick) 7–3
Kansas City – Pearson 13 pass from Livingston (Stenerud kick) 7–10
Pittsburgh – Pearson 3 run (Gerela kick) 14–10
Pittsburgh – Edwards 49 interception return (Gerela kick) 21–10
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 32 24–10
Kansas City – Taylor 10 pass from Livingston (Stenerud kick) 24–17
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 45 27–17
Pittsburgh – Lewis 31 pass from Gilliam (Gerela kick) 34–17
Kansas City – Wright 13 pass from Livingston (Stenerud kick) 34–24
In week 5, the Steelers came away from Kansas City with a 10-point win, 34–24, behind #27 Glen Edwards' 49-yard interception return. The Chiefs used a combined three quarterbacks to throw 7 interceptions. However, #17 Joe Gilliam's play was still deteriorating, and after the horrible performance in next week's game he was benched. (3–1–1)
week 6: vs. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns (1–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3–1–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Browns
0
13
0316
Steelers
7
7
3320
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sunday, October 20Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 42 °F or 5.6 °C (Cloudy)Game attendance: 48,100Referee: Ben DreithTV: NBC
Game information
Pittsburgh – Pearson 6 run (Gerela kick) 7–0
Pittsburgh – Harris 1 run (Gerela kick) 14–0
Cleveland – Phipps 18 run (Cockroft kick) 14–7
Cleveland – Morin 9 pass from Phipps (kick blocked) 14–13
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 31 17–13
Cleveland – FG Cockroft 21 17–16
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 26 20–16
In week 6, the Steelers offense continued to flutter with #17 Joe Gilliam's 5 out of 18 and 78 yard passing performance (despite the return of #32 Franco Harris). In the 3 games after the loss to Oakland, the defense forced 15 turnovers, and that is how the Steelers managed to win all 3 games. The front four of #78 Dwight White, #63 Ernie Holmes, #75 Joe Greene, and #68 L. C. Greenwood had become dominant. Together, they became known as the Steel Curtain. After 6 games, the Steelers were 4–1–1, however, the offense was going to need some help if they were to become a contender. In week 7, the Steelers found that help. (4–1–1)
week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons (2–4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4–1–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Falcons
0
14
0317
Steelers
14
0
3724
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Monday, October 28Game time: 9 p.m., ETGame weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °C (Clear)Game attendance: 48,094Referee: Jim TunneyTV: ABC
Game information
Pittsburgh – Bleier 10 run (Gerela kick) 7–0
Pittsburgh – Bradshaw 1 run (Gerela kick) 14–0
Atlanta – Dodd 9 pass from Lee (Mike-Mayer kick) 14–7
Atlanta – Burrow 24 pass from Lee (Mike-Mayer kick) 14–14
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 33 17–14
Pittsburgh – Harris 7 run (Gerela kick) 24–14
Atlanta – FG Mike-Mayer 32 24–17
In week 7, #12 Terry Bradshaw replaced the failing #17 Joe Gilliam. By 1974, the 5-year veteran was known as the unpredictable and inconsistent quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was often overlooked by fans and coaches for making mistakes. It was at this time Bradshaw was going through some emotional problems. He had lost his starting job and fans and players continuously doubted and sometimes mocked him. A failing relationship with his head coach continued to decline. He was often in seclusion at his home as well. Yet, his team did miss him after he watched the first 6 games from the sidelines. However, on a Monday night against Atlanta, Bradshaw returned. The backfield that would start 4 of the next 6 Super Bowls was finally in place. Runningbacks #32 Franco Harris and #20 Rocky Bleier combined for over 200 yards rushing as the Steelers rolled to a 24–17 win. (5–1–1)
week 8: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles (4–3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5–1–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Eagles
0
0
000
Steelers
7
10
10027
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sunday, November 3Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 71 °F or 21.7 °C (Light Rain)Game attendance: 47,996Referee: Tommy BellTV: CBS
Game information
Pittsburgh – Lewis 8 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 7–0
Pittsburgh – Harris 5 run (Gerela kick) 14–0
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 35 17–0
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 28 20–0
Pittsburgh – Blount 52 interception return (Gerela kick) 27–0
In week 8, the Steelers won behind another shutout by the defense that included a 52-yard interception return by #47 Mel Blount. It was one of two career interceptions returned for touchdowns by the Hall of Famer. #12 Terry Bradshaw was still a colt who had not yet been broken; Chuck Noll's patience with him continued to disappear. (5–1–1)
week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers (6–1–1) at Cincinnati Bengals (5–3)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
0
3
0710
Bengals
0
10
7017
at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: Sunday, November 10Game time: 4 p.m., ETGame weather: 48 °F or 8.9 °CGame attendance: 57,532Referee: Norm SchachterTV: NBC
Game information
Cincinnati – Williams 2 run (Muhlmann kick) 0–7
Cincinnati – FG Muhlmann 30 0–10
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 24 3–10
Cincinnati – Williams 1 run (Muhlmann kick) 3–17
Pittsburgh – Pearson 1 run (Gerela kick) 10–17
In week 9, the Steelers lost to division rival Cincinnati, 17–10. The offense was again struggling, and #12 Terry Bradshaw was benched again, in favor of 5-year veteran #5 Terry Hanratty. (5–2–1)
week 10: at Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers (6–2–1) at Cleveland Browns (3–6)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
7
6
01326
Browns
3
3
10016
at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Date: Sunday, November 17Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 42 °F or 5.6 °CGame attendance: 77,195Referee: Fred SilvaTV: NBC
Game information
Cleveland – FG Cockroft 44 0–3
Pittsburgh – Shanklin 28 pass from Hanratty (Gerela kick) 7–3
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 32 10–3
Cleveland – FG Cockroft 35 10–6
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 32 13–6
Cleveland – Green 36 interception return (Cockroft kick) 13–13
Cleveland – FG Cockroft 18 13–16
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 23 16–16
Pittsburgh – Thomas 14 fumble recovery return (Gerela kick) 23–16
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 22 26–16
In this week 10 matchup, the Steelers defeated the hosting Browns team for the first time in Cleveland since 1964. However, #5 Terry Hanratty completed only 2 of his passes and threw 3 interceptions. He was relieved by Gilliam, and the quarterback controversy had become a real problem for Pittsburgh. However, the rest of the team was playing at a championship level following this madcap game. The turning point came on a miscue in the Browns backfield. Cleveland quarterback Brian Sipe collided with Billy Lefear on the handoff and the ball squirted loose. #74 Joe Greene barged in, grabbed the ball and looked to his left where J.T. Thomas was coming up fast. Greene flipped him the ball and Thomas ran it in from 14 yards out. Earlier in the game, Greene intercepted Sipe and rumbled down to the 14, setting up a Roy Gerela field goal. #32 Franco Harris ran for 156 yards and the defense forced 6 turnovers (overcoming 7 of their own) as the Steelers rallied to defeat the Browns and remain in first place in the AFC Central. (7–2–1)
week 11: at New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers (7–2–1) at New Orleans Saints (4–6)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
7
7
14028
Saints
0
0
707
at Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date: Monday, November 25Game time: 9 p.m., ETGame weather: 56 °F or 13.3 °CGame attendance: 69,010Referee: Ben DreithTV: ABC
Game information
Pittsburgh – Lewis 31 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 7–0
Pittsburgh – Bradshaw 18 run (Gerela kick) 14–0
Pittsburgh – Swann 64 punt return (Gerela kick) 21–0
New Orleans – Seal 10 pass from Scott (McClard kick) 21–7
Pittsburgh – Brown 1 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 28–7
In week 11, #12 Terry Bradshaw was welcomed back into the lineup after the performance by #5 Terry Hanratty. However, in this 28–7 win over the Saints, Bradshaw ran for more yards than he passed. In less than two months, Super Bowl IX was going to be played on the same field. (8–2–1)
week 12: vs. Houston Oilers
Houston Oilers (5–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8–2–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Oilers
0
7
3313
Steelers
3
7
0010
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sunday, December 1Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 38 °F or 3.3 °C (Light Rain)Game attendance: 41,195Referee: Dick JorgensenTV: NBC
Game information
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 44 3–0
Houston – Willis 6 pass from Pastorini (Butler kick) 7–3
Pittsburgh – Harris 31 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 10–7
Houston – FG Butler 42 10–10
Houston – FG Butler 34 10–13
In week 12, #75 Joe Greene was allowed to use his new technique called the "Stunt 4–3." He would jump in the gap between the guard and the center, and then blow through the gap. Teams were forced to commit so many blockers to Greene, that his teammates often went unblocked. However, this still couldn't stop the lowly Oilers from beating them 13–10. (8–3–1)
week 13: at New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers (8–3–1) at New England Patriots (7–5)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
0
12
7221
Patriots
7
3
0717
at Schaefer Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
Date: Sunday, December 8Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 50 °F or 10 °CGame attendance: 52,107Referee: Jim TunneyTV: NBCPro-Football-Reference.com
Game information
New England – Herron 17 pass from Plunkett (Smith kick)0–7
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 40 3–7
Pittsburgh – Harris 2 run (kick blocked) 9–7
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 27 12–7
New England – FG Smith 20 12–10
Pittsburgh – Swann 7 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 19–10
Pittsburgh – Safety, Greenwood tackled Plunkett in end zone 21–10
New England – Herron 5 run (Smith kick)21–17
In week 13, #75 Joe Greene became frustrated and threatened to quit the Steelers after losing to the Oilers the previous week. However, he returned for the most important game of the season in New England. With the win, the Steelers would win the division, as well as clinch their third straight playoff berth. The players were nervous and tense, however, the Steelers made quick work of the Patriots, 21–17. The Steeler offense was finally clicking. (9–3–1)
week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals (7–6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (9–3–1)
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Bengals
0
0
303
Steelers
7
10
7327
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Saturday, December 14Game time: 1 p.m., ETGame weather: 37 °F or 2.8 °C (Drizzle)Game attendance: 42,878Referee: Bernie UlmanTV: NBC
Game information
Pittsburgh – Stallworth 5 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 7–0
Pittsburgh – Mullins 7 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) 14–0
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 26 17–0
Cincinnati – FG Muhlmann 32 17–3
Pittsburgh – Harris on 1 run (Gerela kick) 24–3
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 42 27–3
In week 14, the Steelers beat the Bengals in a meaningless game with their offense rolling and their defense dominating. (10–3–1) :

## Stats

Passing
Passing :
| Player | Pos | G | GS | QBrec | Cmp | Att | Cmp% | Yds | TD | TD% | Int | Int% | Y/A | AY/A | Y/C | Y/G | Lng | Rate | Sk | Yds | NY/A | ANY/A | Sk% | 4QC | GWD |
| Gilliam | QB | 9 | 6 | 4–1–1 | 96 | 212 | 45.3 | 1274 | 4 | 1.9 | 8 | 3.8 | 61 | 6.0 | 4.7 | 13.3 | 141.6 | 55.4 | 7 | 79 | 5.46 | 4.18 | 3.2 | 1 | 1 |
| Bradshaw | QB | 8 | 7 | 5–2–0 | 67 | 148 | 45.3 | 785 | 7 | 4.7 | 8 | 5.4 | 56 | 5.3 | 3.8 | 11.7 | 98.1 | 55.2 | 10 | 104 | 4.31 | 2.92 | 6.3 | | |
| Hanratty | QB | 3 | 1 | 1–0–0 | 3 | 26 | 11.5 | 95 | 1 | 3.8 | 5 | 19.2 | 35 | 3.7 | -4.2 | 31.7 | 31.7 | 15.5 | 1 | 13 | 3.04 | -4.56 | 3.7 | 1 | 0 |
| Team Total | | 14 | | 10–3–1 | 166 | 386 | 43 | 2154 | 12 | 3.1 | 21 | 5.4 | 61 | 5.6 | 3.8 | 13.0 | 153.9 | 48.9 | 18 | 196 | 4.5 | 4.85 | 3.10 | 2 | 1 |
| Opp Total | | 14 | | | 147 | 339 | 43.4 | 1872 | 14 | 4.1 | 25 | 7.4 | | 5.5 | 3.03 | 12.7 | 133.7 | 44.3 | 52 | 406 | 13.3 | 3.7 | 1.6 | | |
Rushing
Rushing :
| Player | Pos | G | GS | Att | Yds | TD | Lng | Y/A | Y/G | A/G |
Receiving
Receiving :
| Player | Pos | G | GS | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD | Lng | R/G | Y/G | Ctch% |
Kicking
Kicking :
| | | Games | Games | 0–19 | 0–19 | 20–29 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 40–49 | 50+ | 50+ | Scoring | Scoring | Scoring | Scoring | Scoring | Scoring | Scoring |
| Player | Pos | G | GS | FGA | FGM | FGA | FGM | FGA | FGM | FGA | FGM | FGA | FGM | FGA | FGM | Lng | FG% | XPA | XPM | XP% |
Punting
Punting :
| Player | Pos | G | GS | Pnt | Yds | Lng | Blck | Y/P |
Kick Return
Punt Return
Sacks
Sacks :
| Player | Pos | G | GS | Sk |
Interceptions
Fumbles
Tackles
Scoring Summary
Team
Team :
| | | | Total Yds & TO | Total Yds & TO | Total Yds & TO | | | Passing | Passing | Passing | Passing | Passing | Passing | Passing | Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Penalties | Penalties | Penalties |
| Player | PF | Yds | Ply | Y/P | TO | FL | 1stD | Cmp | Att | Yds | TD | Int | NY/A | 1stD | Att | Yds | TD | Y/A | 1stD | Pen | Yds | 1stPy |
| Team Stats | 305 | 4375 | 950 | 4.6 | 40 | 19 | 251 | 166 | 386 | 1958 | 12 | 21 | 4.8 | 98 | 546 | 2417 | 19 | 4.4 | 136 | 104 | 978 | 17 |
| Opp. Stats | 189 | 3074 | 863 | 3.6 | 47 | 22 | 200 | 147 | 339 | 1466 | 14 | 25 | 3.7 | 83 | 472 | 1608 | 7 | 3.4 | 87 | 76 | 575 | 30 |
| Lg Rank Offense | 6 | 8 | | | 24 | 25 | 9 | | 10 | 21 | 15 | 14 | 20 | | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 | | | | |
| Lg Rank Defense | 2 | 1 | | | 1 | 1 | 3 | | 6 | 1 | 13 | 3 | 1 | | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | | | | |
Quarter-by-quarter
Quarter-by-quarter :
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | T |
| Steelers | 69 | 102 | 78 | 56 | 0 | 305 |
| Opponents | 41 | 74 | 44 | 30 | 0 | 189 |

## Postseason summary
### Divisional

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Steelers | 3 | 26 | 0 | 3 | 32 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: December 22
* Game time: 1:00 p.m.
* Game weather: Light snow, 33 °F (1 °C)
* Game attendance: 48,321
* Referee: Norm Schachter
* TV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and John Brodie
* Box Score
Game information :
First quarter
PIT – Roy Gerela 21-yard field goal. Steelers 3–0.
BUF – Paul Seymour 22-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (John Leypoldt kick). Bills 7–3.
Second quarter
PIT – Rocky Bleier 27-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw. Steelers 9–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 16–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 4-yard run. Steelers 22–7.
PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (Roy Gerela kick). Steelers 29–7.
Third quarter
BUF – O. J. Simpson 3-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (John Leypoldt kick). Steelers 29–14.
Fourth quarter
PIT – Roy Gerela 22-yard field goal. Steelers 32–14.
Top passers
BUF – Joe Ferguson – 11/26, 164 yards, 2 TD
PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 12/19, 203 yards, TD
Top rushers
BUF – O. J. Simpson – 15 rushes, 49 yards
PIT – Franco Harris – 24 rushes, 74 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
BUF – J.D. Hill – 4 receptions, 59 yards
PIT – Lynn Swann – 3 receptions, 60 yards :

### AFC Championship Game (Sunday, December 29, 1974): at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers (12–3–1) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 24 |
| Raiders (13–3) | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 13 |
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum • Oakland, California
* Date: December 29, 1974
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 53 °F or 11.7 °C, Partly cloudy
* Game attendance: 53,515
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, and Don Meredith
Game Summaries :
AFC Divisional: vs. Buffalo Bills
Pittsburgh Steelers 32, Buffalo Bills 14
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Bills
7
0
7014
Steelers
3
26
0332
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Sunday, December 22Game time: 1:00 pm ESTGame weather: 34 °F or 1.1 °C, Light snowGame attendance: 48,321Referee: Norm SchachterTV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and John Brodie
Game information
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 21 PIT 3–0
Buffalo – Seymour 22 pass from Ferguson (Leypoldt kick) BUF 7–3
Pittsburgh – Bleier 27 pass from Bradshaw (kick blocked) PIT 9–7
Pittsburgh – Harris 1 run (Gerela kick) PIT 16–7
Pittsburgh – Harris 4 run (kick blocked) PIT 22–7
Pittsburgh – Harris 1 run (Gerela kick) PIT 29–7
Buffalo – Simpson 3 pass from Ferguson (Leypoldt kick) PIT 29–14
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 22 PIT 32–14
In this Divisional Round playoff game, the Steelers were described as the only team in the playoffs without a quarterback and were expected to lose at home to Buffalo. The last time the Steelers faced the Bills, O. J. Simpson had rushed for 189 yards and the defense was concerned about him. However, by halftime the Steelers had dominated the line of scrimmage and the offense took time away from the Bills as the Steelers went up 29–7. #12 Terry Bradshaw was in the best game of his career. By the end of the game, O. J. was held to 49 yards rushing in his only playoff game of his career. After three weeks of solid performance by everyone, the Steelers were ready to rematch the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game.
AFC Championship: at Oakland Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Oakland Raiders 13
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
0
3
02124
Raiders
3
0
7313
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California
Date: Sunday, December 29Game time: 4:00 pm ESTGame weather: 53 °F or 11.7 °C, Partly cloudyGame attendance: 53,515Referee: Jim TunneyTV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, and Don Meredith
Game information
Oakland – FG Blanda 40 OAK 3–0
Pittsburgh – FG Gerela 23 3–3
Oakland – Branch 38 pass from Stabler (Blanda kick) OAK 10–3
Pittsburgh – Harris 8 run (Gerela kick) 10–10
Pittsburgh – Swann 6 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) PIT 17–10
Oakland – FG Blanda 24 PIT 17–13
Pittsburgh – Harris 21 run (Gerela kick) PIT 24–13
In the 1974 AFC Championship Game, all the hype was centered around the Raiders who had ended Miami's reign in stunning a play that went into NFL Lore as the "Sea of Hands". Raiders coach, John Madden however went a little too far in his praising of both teams when he said that when the two best teams in professional football get together, Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders, great things will happen. Steelers stoic head coach Chuck Noll galvanized the team's spirit by making an unexpected comment. He said that the best team in the NFL was the team in this room. The Steelers would dominate the Raiders in Oakland by using the Stunt 4–3 and stopping the great Oakland offensive line. The Steelers rushed for over 200 yards as the Raiders rushed for a mere 29. Franco Harris ran for the final touchdown and sealed the first Super Bowl appearance in Steelers' history. This game would set the tone for what to come for the rest of the decade.
Super Bowl IX: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Main article: Super Bowl IX
Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Minnesota Vikings 6
Quarter
1
2
34Total
Steelers
0
2
7716
Vikings
0
0
066
at Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana
Date: Sunday, January 12Game time: 3:00 pm ESTGame weather: Overcast, 51 °F or 10.6 °C, wind 17 mph, relative humidity 72%Game attendance: 80,997Referee: Bernie UlmanTV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, and Don MeredithPro-Football-Reference.com
Game information
Pittsburgh – Safety: Dwight White downed Fran Tarkenton in end zone 2–0 PIT
Pittsburgh – TD: Franco Harris 9 yard run (Roy Gerela kick) 9–0 PIT
Minnesota – TD: Terry Brown recovered blocked punt in end zone (kick failed) 9–6 PIT
Pittsburgh – TD: Larry Brown 4 yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (Roy Gerela kick) 16–6 PIT
Approaching Super Bowl IX, Chuck Noll told his team to go out with no bed check and get the town out of their system. The team had a good time in New Orleans (everyone but #78 Dwight White, who was sick and in the hospital). By Wednesday, they were begging for a bed check. However, that time he gave them and the subsequent responsible attitude was a wonderful way to approach the big game. Noll's approach was in direct contrast to that of Vikings' head coach Bud Grant who had been to two previous Super Bowls, both of which the Vikings lost. The Vikings didn't have a relaxed atmosphere; they were very tense compared to the chilled and relaxed Steelers. Despite the trip to the hospital, #78 Dwight White played and scored the first points in the defensive battle on the first safety in Super Bowl history. The Steelers shut down the Minnesota run game that wanted to attack their opponent's strength the way the Steelers had against Oakland and Buffalo. The Vikings ran 20 times for 17 yards and #10 QB Fran Tarkenton completed just 11 of his 27 passes and threw three interceptions (1 to #75 Joe Greene though he didn't run very far). #32 Franco Harris ran farther than anyone ever had in the Super Bowl to that point, setting a record with 158 yards rushing. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The Steelers became champions for the first time in their 42-year history when #12 Terry Bradshaw threw a strike to #87 Larry Brown for a TD. :

## Awards, honors and records

* #75 Joe Greene, National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award
* #32 Franco Harris, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player
* Most Hall of Famers selected in one draft
* #58 Jack Lambert, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
* #88 Lynn Swann leader in punt return yards (577)