Terry Bradshaw has often contemplated what could have transpired if his Pittsburgh Steelers had made it to the Super Bowl during their opportunities to secure a third consecutive title. Similarly, Ronnie Lott reflects on a key moment for the San Francisco 49ers during their push for a third straight championship, believing that a fortuitous bounce could have changed their fortunes.
As it stands, the Kansas City Chiefs have achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the Super Bowl after winning the previous two, making history that players like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, and Bradshaw himself were unable to replicate. The Chiefs are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, aiming to complete their quest for a title.
Lott emphasizes the necessity of luck in achieving such a monumental task. “You got to have a lot of luck,” he remarked, adding that seizing the right opportunities is crucial. “And then the other thing is, you’ve just got to get over the idea that nobody thinks you can do it,” he noted.
It’s important to mention the exception to the rule: Bart Starr led the Green Bay Packers to the NFL championship in 1965, followed by victories in the first two Super Bowls. Additionally, John Elway retired after winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos, which adds another layer of complexity to the conversation.
Bradshaw and his Steel Curtain defense faced disappointment when they lost to the Oakland Raiders, coached by the legendary John Madden, in the AFC championship game during their first attempt at a three-peat. The Steelers did not even qualify for the playoffs in their second attempt four years later.
“Had we gotten to the Super Bowl, then I would say the chances of a three-peat would have been very good because you are a defending champion and you’ve experienced a Super Bowl and winning a Super Bowl,” Bradshaw reflected. He explained the challenges of an extended season, emphasizing the struggle of maintaining focus while waiting for playoff time.
For Lott, the memory of the 49ers’ failure to secure a Super Bowl berth often brings to mind Roger Craig’s fumbled ball during a heartbreaking NFC championship loss to the Giants, where New York secured victory with a last-minute field goal. Yet Lott also vividly recalls a moment when he believes a fumble by Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler could have shifted the game had the ball bounced in their favor.
The 49ers, with an impressive roster including Montana and Jerry Rice, experienced an unforgettable 14-2 season, but the absence of luck and the physical toll of long seasons weighed heavily on Lott’s mind. “The seasons are long. The offseasons are short,” Montana added, pointing out that maintaining peak health year after year can be a daunting challenge.
In the case of the Cowboys, Aikman and his star teammates found themselves reaching the NFC title game as two-time champions but falling short to the 49ers during the 1994 season. Daryl Johnston, who was part of the Cowboys’ first three Super Bowl victories in four seasons, indicated that losing head coach Jimmy Johnson, along with a poor start to the game against San Francisco, contributed to that disappointment.
“Where would Kansas City be if they lost Andy Reid?” Johnston questioned, highlighting the impact of coaching continuity on a team’s success. Moreover, after securing consecutive titles over Buffalo, the Cowboys battled with a tumultuous split between ownership and coaching.
The Packers faced a similar situation when coach Vince Lombardi departed after leading them to two Super Bowl victories, resulting in a missed playoff berth the following season. Miami’s back-to-back championships almost saw history made as they completed the only undefeated season in the Super Bowl era during 1972, but they faltered in their playoff opener as two-time champions.
The New England Patriots, under Brady and coach Bill Belichick, came close to achieving a three-peat but fell short in their bid in 2005. Now, as Mahomes leads the Chiefs toward a potential fourth Super Bowl title, he acknowledges the weight of history resting on their shoulders. “I think you always want to leave a legacy and kind of make your imprint on history,” Mahomes stated, focusing on the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
Bradshaw continues to speak on the challenges of aiming for a three-peat. He is set to be part of the media team covering the Super Bowl, where he may have the opportunity to present the Lombardi Trophy to Mahomes should the Chiefs triumph. At 76, he recalls a moment years ago when he was poised to acknowledge the Patriots’ attempt at history, which ultimately ended in a stunning defeat against the Giants.
“So here I go again. Historical moment,” Bradshaw said, admitting that he cannot predict the outcome of Kansas City’s quest.
