Super Bowl Trivia For Game Day In Massachusetts

Massachusetts and the Super Bowl are inseparable.

The launch of legal sports betting in Massachusetts is eagerly anticipated by both Patriots fans and residents of the state. Fortunately, there is strong support from many state lawmakers, raising hopes that 2022 might be the year when this long-awaited development finally becomes a reality.

Meanwhile, we have gathered a compilation of six obscure Super Bowl facts that are perfectly timed for the upcoming festivities.

#1 The prize has changed

The first two Super Bowl victories in 1967 and 1968 were claimed by the renowned coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi. The team was granted the “World Professional Football Championship Trophy” as a token of their achievement during that period.

Isn’t it just so easy to say?

In the past, the NFL organized its playoffs in a similar fashion to Major League Baseball. The NFL presented its World Championship game in a manner reminiscent of the World Series, where the victorious teams from two distinct leagues would face each other.

The NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame states that after Lombardi’s death on September 3, 1970, the league promptly decided to rename its trophy. The newly named trophy was presented for the first time during Super Bowl V, just a week later.

Thankfully, the NFL decided to replace the original name and now the Lombardi trophy stands as the epitome of pro football excellence.

#2 Spread the news

This will be a source of great excitement for football fans and sports bettors in Massachusetts.

Jets fans still celebrate the memorable outcome of Super Bowl III, where the Colts were favored by 18 points.

Super Bowl XXIX holds the record for the largest point spread ever, with the San Francisco 49ers being heavily favored by 18.5 points against the San Diego Chargers.

The 49ers were able to cover the spread by dominating the Chargers with a final score of 49-26.

#3 Big favorites, big wins? 

Out of the 13 Super Bowls where a team was favored by 10 points or more, the favorite emerged victorious on nine occasions, while managing to cover the spread in seven instances.

Super Bowl XXXI saw the Packers as the favorites with a 14-point advantage, and they managed to clinch victory by the same margin, resulting in a push. On the other hand, in Super Bowl XXX, the Cowboys held a 13.5-point advantage but were unable to cover it, even though they triumphed over the Steelers with a 27-17 score.

If you’re in search of a trend – and let’s be honest, who isn’t? – the team that has been favored by over 10 points in the last three Super Bowls has surprisingly ended up losing the game.

#4 Two MVPs?

Looking for a fantastic trivia question for your Super Bowl party? Well, here’s one: In Super Bowl 56, how many Super Bowl MVPs will have been awarded throughout history?

The accurate response is 56.

In 1978, Super Bowl XII showcased a highly anticipated clash between Dallas’ formidable Doomsday Defense and Denver’s dominant Orange Crush unit. However, the game turned out to be a massive disappointment. Denver suffered a humiliating 27-10 defeat, tarnishing their performance. Interestingly, this lackluster game did make history by awarding co-MVPs, marking the only instance of such recognition in Super Bowl history.

That year, the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive linemen, Harvey Martin and Randy White, were both awarded the title of Co-MVPs for their outstanding performance. Their remarkable contributions aided Dallas in pressuring the Broncos and causing eight turnovers.

#5 MVP breakdown

Towards the conclusion of the Super Bowl, curiosity arises among all regarding the identity of the Most Valuable Player. Additionally, there is a lingering inquiry regarding the availability of any remaining bean dip.

Feel free to place your bets on the person you believe it could be.

Out of the 56 previous MVPs, the prestigious award has been bestowed upon a defensive player a total of nine times. It’s important to note that in this count, we are including both Harvey Martin and Randy White as separate recipients.

The most secure choice would be the quarterback positioned behind the center. Quarterbacks have claimed the award a total of 31 times, while wide receivers have been victorious seven times, and running backs have achieved the honor six times.

#6 One shining moment

Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and Tom Brady are prime examples of Super Bowl heroes who have achieved legendary status in the sport.

The Jack Squirek Theory refers to individuals who have remarkable moments in the Super Bowl but subsequently fade into obscurity.

In a surprising turn of events, Squirek, an obscure Oakland Raiders linebacker, made a game-changing interception during the closing moments of the first half in Super Bowl XVIII. Seizing the opportunity, he skillfully advanced five yards to secure a touchdown, granting the Raiders a commanding 21-3 advantage. This pivotal play ultimately paved the way for their astonishing 38-9 victory.

Squirek’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated was the highlight of his career. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during pre-season the following year, and although he continued playing for the Raiders for two more years, he eventually retired in 1986.