NAFL Super Bowls

NAFL Super Bowl XVII - 2020

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New York (A) Jets AFC CHAMPIONS GM: CyYoung	*Minnesota Vikings NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Hammer

Vikings 34, Jets 6 Super Bowl XVII gave us a couple of things we hadn't seen in a while. For one, it was the first match-up between the top NFC seed and the top AFC seed in quite some time. The Vikings cruised to a 15-1 regular season record behind eventual league MVP Frankie Giles, despite resting him and many others the final two games. The Jets were also able to rest people after a 13-3 season, one of the league's more remarkable improvements from the previous year in which they went 7-9. But the game also offered another distinction, one of the few Super Bowl blow-outs. It wasn't that way early, the Jets defense forcing Minnesota field goals to keep things close. Late in the 1st half, though, the powerful Vikings scored on a 74-yard pass from Giles to go ahead 17-3. It was a big-play capability they would flash again late in the 4th to shove the final dagger into the heart of Jets fans as Minnesota took the Seth Gottesmann Memorial Trophy in dominant fashion, the franchise's 3rd NAFL Championship. Game MVP: Frankie Giles

NAFL Super Bowl XVI - 2019

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*Cleveland Browns AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Browns_GM	San Francisco 49ers NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Narcizo

Browns 41, 49ers 34 On one side it was a superstar QB who hadn't yet won the big game, on the other a former 7th round pick written off after injury. The Wild Card Browns, with Oakland castoff Terrell Betrozoff at the helm, were underdogs to the mighty NFC Champion 49ers. But San Francisco's 3-time MVP Al An had the turnover bug early, throwing 2 interceptions to allow the Browns to build an 11-point halftime lead. The San Francisco offense wasn't going away, though, and the 49ers tied the game at 31 on Al An's 3rd TD pass of the day late in the 4th. Betrozoff, on his way to winning the MVP, would then complete big pass after big pass to put his team again ahead by 7 in the final minutes. The 49ers drove the field in response, trying to tie it again, but a Cleveland goal line stand forced San Francisco to kick a field goal and hope they'd get another chance. They wouldn't, and the Cleveland Browns would win the franchise's 4th NAFL Super Bowl and capture the Seth Gottesmann Memorial Trophy in thrilling, upset fashion. Game MVP: Terrell Betrozoff

NAFL Super Bowl XV - 2018

VERSUS
Miami Dolphins AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Ray	*Minnesota Vikings NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Hammer

Vikings 34, Dolphins 28 For the 2nd year in a row, the NAFL had two teams in the big game that had to win 3 playoff games to get there. Of course, that number seemed miniscule for the Miami Dolphins as the AFC Champions went on an incredible 13-game winning streak to reach the title. But it was the NFC Champion Vikings who got off to a fast start, running well behind Randall Papadopulos and picking off former Minnesota backup Jackie Huntley to make it a 14-0 game. Though Huntley would struggle with interceptions, he was throwing often and rallied his Dolphins back, trailing 21-14 at half. The Vikings opened the 2nd half with a commanding drive of nearly 10 minutes to push their lead back to 14, but the Dolphins would rally yet again. Minnesota penalties helped the cause, and with a lone second remaining in regulation, Huntley threw his 4th TD to send Super Bowl XV into OT. After stopping the Vikings, the Championship looked to be Miami's as they drove deep into Minnesota territory. But the interception bug would snap Huntley again, setting Minnesota up with good field position behind efficient 2nd year star Frankie Giles, and 3rd string runningback Donnell Crosland would reach the endzone to end it a few minutes later. The Minnesota Vikings captured the Seth Gottesmann Memorial Trophy with a thrilling Super Bowl XV victory. Game MVP: Frankie Giles

NAFL Super Bowl XIV - 2017

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New England Patriots AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Walt	*Chicago Bears NFC CHAMPIONS GM: timmynausea

Bears 38, Raiders 31 Two Wild Card teams faced off in Super Bowl XIV, and the defending Champion Chicago Bears were the heavy favorites. But behind a rookie standout at Quarterback, the New England Patriots proved they belonged in the game. The teams traded scores before the Patriots pulled away early in the 2nd half, taking a 31-17 lead. Game MVP Sammie Holmes and the Bears weren't giving up, though, and they would tie the game with lengthy drives late. Then, with only minutes to play, Chicago went 62 yards in 10 plays and scored for their 3rd consecutive crunch-time touchdown. With the come from behind victory, the Chicago Bears became the 3rd team in NAFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls. After the game, the team was presented the inaugural Seth Gottesmann Memorial Trophy. Game MVP: Sammie Holmes

NAFL Super Bowl XIII - 2016

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Oakland Raiders AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Shooter	*Chicago Bears NFC CHAMPIONS GM: timmynausea

Bears 44, Raiders 10 The Chicago Bears lost their 2016 opener to the defending Champion Minnesota Vikings, but from there, they were a dominant force. With a 14-2 record, Chicago made it to their first ever NAFL Super Bowl with a convincing win over those same Vikings. They would face another Super Bowl newcomer, and the Oakland Raiders would struggle from the beginning of a turnover-filled game. A fumble on the opening kickoff led to an easy 7 for the Bears, and Terrell Betrozoff, who made news coming back from a huge injury to lead the Raiders to the big game, threw three first half interceptions. Two of them went to Stan Wells, and the game MVP returned one for an early touchdown. Before even 40 seconds had elapsed, the Bears led 14-0. Chicago had some turnovers as well, but Sammie Holmes would throw three touchdowns on the day, two to Anthony Elliott, and the Bears dominated throughout to end their magical season. Game MVP: Stan Wells

NAFL Super Bowl XII - 2015

VERSUS
Pittsburgh Steelers AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Steelers GM	*Minnesota Vikings NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Hammer

Vikings 31, Steelers 28 It was the match-up many anticipated for much of the season. Both the Vikings and Steelers were the last remaining undefeated teams in their conferences, starting 7-0 and 10-0 respectively. And the game didn't disappoint. Pittsburgh marched the field to score on the opening possession, but the Vikings notched 14 unanswered before the Steelers scooped up a Forbes fumble and ran it back for a TD. It was a back and forth contest, and the start of the 2nd half was equally fortuitous for Pittsburgh as a quick Roethlisberger interception led to another easy 7 for the Steelers. Nevertheless, Minnesota always had an answer, taking a 31-28 lead late when relative unknown Butch McConnell busted a 21 yard TD run. With under 5 to play, the Steelers began a drive that will live in the hearts of Pittsburgh fans for eternity. In easy field goal range with under 2 on the clock, Drew Henson, who had been so good all day and still won the game MVP award, threw an interception in the endzone to end Pittsburgh's dream season. Game MVP: Drew Henson

NAFL Super Bowl XI - 2014

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Tennessee Titans AFC CHAMPIONS GM: JeeberD	*New Orleans Saints NFC CHAMPIONS GM: gottimd

Saints 38, Titans 28 With only one regular season loss and a talented veteran Quarterback, the New Orleans Saints went into Super Bowl XI as the favorites, trying to erase memories of their collapse in the big game two years earlier. Rivers would be on the money all game, hitting big play after big play. But the AFC Champion Titans moved the ball as well behind Kendall McCammon. After trailing at half, McCammon kept his team in it with critical drives late. Unfortunately for the Titans, missed conversion attempts kept haunting them, and their defense just couldn't stop Rivers. Despite a late comeback attempt, McCammon's 4th and 23 pass fell incomplete with only a couple of minutes on the clock, ending all hopes for the Titans and giving the Saints their first ever NAFL crown. Game MVP: Philip Rivers

NAFL Super Bowl X - 2013

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*Cleveland Browns AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Browns_GM	San Francisco 49ers NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Narcizo

Browns 34, 49ers 30 They say bad things happen in threes. For the San Francisco 49ers, a team that had put together one of the best seasons in NAFL history, it seemed a Super Bowl loss had to happen to reach that number. You see, after losing their final regular season game, ending a chance to go 16-0, the 49ers lost MVP Quarterback Al An in the NFC Championship. That was two. In the big game, the Browns, behind the remarkably consistent arm of Byron Leftwich, kept driving the field. Six straight drives produced scores for Cleveland, but San Francisco, led by backup Kyle Boller and then 3rd stringer Tim Ratty, kept pace. Rattay finally cooled with just over a minute to play by throwing 3 straight incompletions, his team down 4. When a 3rd and 10 completion to Hamilton came up just short of the marker for San Francisco, the game was essentially over. The Cleveland Browns became back-to-back Super Bowl Champions. Game MVP: Byron Leftwich

NAFL Super Bowl IX - 2012

VERSUS
*Cleveland Browns AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Browns_GM	New Orleans Saints NFC CHAMPIONS GM: gottimd

Browns 34, Saints 31 Super Bowl IX would be one of the more incredible games in NAFL history. The New Orleans Saints, the top NFC seed, had put on an offensive show the week before to reach the title game, and they started off doing the same to the Browns. It was 24-0 early as Philip Rivers was on his game. But the Browns, who were making a return trip to the big game with a new QB in Byron Leftwich, didn't give up. By halftime, it was 24-14 and with only minutes to play, the Browns had evened the game at 31. As the clock expired, Cleveland's Phil Dawson kicked a 27 yarder to win it for the Browns and cap off one of the most amazing playoff comebacks of all time. Game MVP: Philip Rivers

NAFL Super Bowl VIII - 2011

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Cleveland Browns AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Browns_GM	*Arizona Cardinals NFC CHAMPIONS GM: ArizonaGM

Cardinals 23, Browns 21 It was a battle of one of the league's best defenses against one of the league's best offenses. And although Arizona capitalized on a quick turnover inside the Cleveland 20 to take a 7-0 lead, it was the Browns who were controlling much of the game. Cedric Cobbs and Jeff Garcia chipped away, eating time, but had to settle for field goals far too often. The explosive Arizona offense put up a couple of quick, big plays to take the lead late. But after the Cleveland defense rose up as it had most of the game, the Browns had 2 minutes and the ball, trailing by 2. Super Bowl VIII essentially ended, though, when Garcia threw a 3rd and 16 pass into the hands of Arizona's Brad Moore. Game MVP: Terry Crist

NAFL Super Bowl VII - 2010

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Buffalo Bills AFC CHAMPIONS GM: jeffrey	*San Francisco 49ers NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Narcizo

49ers 28, Bills 14 They lost their 1st game of the season. That was it. From that point on, the San Francisco 49ers won 17 straight to make the Super Bowl. It didn't matter if they were playing with their starting QB Donovan McNabb, back-up Clint Stoerner or in this case 3rd stringer Juan Getson. Getson struggled very early against the Buffalo Bills but threw 2 first half touchdowns. A late 1st half TD run by Antonio Pedigo put the 49ers up 21-7. The Bills would rally behind QB Clifton Huffman, cutting the lead to 7 with 5 to play. But 2nd half interceptions would be Buffalo's undoing, and San Francisco would hold on for the capper on an amazing season. Game MVP: Juan Getson

NAFL Super Bowl VI - 2009

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Miami Dolphins AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Icy	*Dallas Cowboys NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Cuckoo

Cowboys 23, Dolphins 20 Big underdogs against the AFC's top seed, the Dallas Cowboys had won 3 straight playoff road games as a Wild Card team to face the Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. The powerful Miami offense struggled early, though, as Griese threw 4 interceptions on the day. But Dallas couldn't capitalize on great field position, settling for field goals on multiple occasions. Miami pulled to within 3 and had the ball in Dallas territory with under a minute to play. But Roy Williams knocked away the 4th and 16 pass from Brian Griese to give Dallas the win and the NFC it's first NAFL Championship. Game MVP: Ben Roethlisberger

NAFL Super Bowl V - 2008

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*Denver Broncos AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Buzz	Philadelphia Eagles NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Johnnyshaka

Broncos 23, Eagles 21 It had already been a big story when Jake Plummer went down injured and back-up Greg Zolman led the Broncos to a solid regular season finish and a trip to the Super Bowl. And the AFC's top seed got all they could handle from the NFC's top team as the Eagles and Broncos played a seesaw battle. Zolman was solid, and his team led late in the game. In the 4th, McNabb would throw an interception in the end zone, but Zolman would turn around and do the same, giving the Eagles enough time to score and cut the lead to two. The onside kick attempt with less than a minute to play would be recovered by Denver, though, as the AFC continued its run on top of the NAFL. Game MVP: Greg Zolman

NAFL Super Bowl IV - 2007

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*New England Patriots AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Walt	Carolina Panthers NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Panthers GM

New England 17, Carolina 3 The game would be defined early. Carolina's star running back DeShaun Foster was carted off the field in agony in the 1st quarter, and all of the breath seemed to be sucked out of the Panthers' sideline. Young Harold Oliver would come in and play well, rushing for over 100 yards, but the Carolina offense couldn't break any plays. New England, meanwhile, scored 17 first half points with a solid but unspectacular Tom Brady leading them. Josh Miller, the New England punter, repeatedly pinned Carolina within their own five yard line, and the Panthers would muster only a late field goal. Game MVP: Tom Brady

NAFL Super Bowl III - 2006

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*New England Patriots AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Walt	St. Louis Rams NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Rams

New England 34, St. Louis 24 The league's top two teams (both 14-2 during the regular season) squared off in Super Bowl III. Both teams had a chip on their shoulder, the Rams because of their loss in the previous year's title game, and New England because of their failure to win the big games in the postseason. And both came out fired up as a couple unnecessary roughness penalties were assessed in the game. The Patriots' Tom Brady was on fire, and New England controlled the game except for several fumbles, one of which the Rams ran in for a touchdown. The 2nd half saw a St. Louis comeback, though, and all was tight at 27-24 following a Rams field goal with under 5 minutes to play. Instead of running out the clock, however, the Patriots stuck with Brady who continued to complete passes. When the drive resulted in another Patriots touchdown with time near expired, the final nail had been placed in the St. Louis coffin. Game MVP: Tom Brady

NAFL Super Bowl II - 2005

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*New York (A) Jets AFC CHAMPIONS GM: mmarra	St. Louis Rams NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Rams

New York (A) 26, St. Louis 17 Chad Pennington had been injured in the AFC Championship game, and many questioned whether he'd even play. But he came on the field determined and throwing. Two big touchdown passes later (65 yards to Cotchery and 85 yards to Chrebet) and the Jets had all the momentum. But Bulger and the Rams wouldn't go away so easily. They cut the lead to three in the second half and trailed by less than a touchdown with only minutes to play. The Rams QB tried to force a pass, however, and the Jets grabbed the interception. Pennington turned the short field into another touchdown to give the New York Jets the Super Bowl trophy. Game MVP: Chad Pennington

NAFL Super Bowl I - 2004

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*Cleveland Browns AFC CHAMPIONS GM: Browns_GM	Green Bay Packers NFC CHAMPIONS GM: Doug5984

Cleveland 19, Green Bay 13 Cleveland took control of the game early, grabbing a quick field goal and touchdown to lead 10-0 despite two Garcia interceptions. But Green Bay, with their back-up quarterback Doug Pederson starting, refused to give up. They came back with 13 unanswered points to take the lead with under two minutes to go in the game. Garcia got his team in field goal range, and the game was headed to a Super Bowl overtime. After the teams traded punts, the Packers lined up to do it yet again when Griffith blocked it for the Browns, giving them the ball deep in Packer territory. A Travis Henry touchdown run later, the Cleveland Browns became the NAFL's first Super Bowl Champion. Game MVP: Kenard Lang