18 Years Ago: Colts Beat Bears In Super Bowl XLI

Indianapolis Colts vs Chicago Bears, Super Bowl XLI

Source: John W. McDonough / Getty

Super Bowl XLI: Colts vs. Bears – A Look Back At Ultimate Success

Super Bowl XLI, played on February 4, 2007, was a historic clash between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears at Dolphin Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The game marked significant moments in NFL history, including Tony Dungy becoming the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl.

The Colts emerged victorious, defeating the Bears 29-17 in a rain-soaked showdown.

Pre-Game Setup

The game was marked by a rare occurrence for a Super Bowl—a steady downpour throughout the contest.

This made ball security and footing critical factors.

Both teams were standout franchises that season.

The Bears boasted an elite defense and a powerful special teams unit, while the Colts had a dynamic offense led by quarterback Peyton Manning.

First Quarter

The game set a blistering pace immediately.

Chicago’s electrifying Devin Hester showcased why he was one of the most dangerous returners in NFL history, becoming the first player to return the opening kickoff of a Super Bowl for a touchdown.

His 92-yard return stunned the Colts, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead early.

The Colts struggled early, as Peyton Manning threw an interception on their first drive.

However, Indianapolis rebounded with their next possession, capping it off with a 53-yard touchdown pass from Manning to wide receiver Reggie Wayne. A botched extra point left the Colts trailing 7-6.

Turnovers plagued the Bears when quarterback Rex Grossman and the offense failed to establish a rhythm under mounting pressure from the Colts’ defense.

Notably, the wet weather caused players from both teams to fumble the ball multiple times during the first quarter, signaling challenges to come.

Second Quarter

The game stabilized in the second quarter, with the Colts taking more control. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, a veteran known for his clutch abilities, nailed a field goal to give Indianapolis a 9-7 lead.

The Bears briefly regained momentum with a field goal of their own from Robbie Gould, making it 10-9. However, Indianapolis’ offense continued to find its rhythm, using a mix of short passes and runs to counter Chicago’s defensive pressure.

A pivotal play came when Colts running back Dominic Rhodes scored a rushing touchdown on a methodical drive, pushing the Colts ahead 16-10 before halftime.

The Colts’ defense stepped up in the second quarter, limiting Rex Grossman’s effectiveness and creating opportunities to control time of possession.

Third Quarter

The Colts began to pull away coming out of halftime, executing long drives built on their dominant run game. Rhodes and fellow running back Joseph Addai were key contributors, combining for over 190 rushing yards in the game.

Adam Vinatieri added another field goal, extending the lead to 19-10. Meanwhile, the pressure continued to mount on Grossman, who struggled with accuracy and decision-making.

Ball control was a major theme here—the Colts had long, sustained drives that drained the clock, limiting the Bears’ offensive opportunities.

Fourth Quarter

The game’s tipping point came in the fourth quarter, when Rex Grossman threw a costly interception to Colts defensive back Kelvin Hayden. Hayden returned it 56 yards for a touchdown, effectively sealing the game for Indianapolis with a commanding 29-17 lead.

The Bears managed one more field goal but couldn’t manifest a meaningful comeback. The Colts’ defense tightened, forcing punts and maintaining their lead through the final moments.

Peyton Manning, while not spectacular, was efficient, completing 25 of 38 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

His poise and leadership were enough to secure the victory.

Watch a 3 minute highlight real of the Colts winning the Super Bowl Below:

Key Players and Notable Performances

Peyton Manning was named Super Bowl MVP, a milestone in a career long criticized for playoff struggles. This game silenced critics and solidified his legacy.

Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai formed a potent one-two punch in the running game, slicing through the Bears’ defense and controlling the tempo.

Devin Hester’s opening kickoff return remains one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, despite the Bears ultimately falling short.

Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith, the head coaches, made history by becoming the first African-American head coaches to face each other in a Super Bowl. Dungy’s victory was a pivotal moment for representation and coaching in the NFL.

Significance of the Victory

The Colts’ win was monumental for multiple reasons:

It ended a long championship drought for the franchise, with their last title dating back to Super Bowl V in 1971.
It reaffirmed Tony Dungy’s reputation as one of the NFL’s great coaches and a trailblazer for African-American coaches.
For Peyton Manning, it was a career-defining moment, silencing doubters and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, the Colts executed a near-perfect mix of offensive versatility and defensive discipline to secure their victory. Super Bowl XLI remains a memorable game for its historic milestones and iconic moments.