45 years ago today, on January 20, 1980, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams clashed in Super Bowl 14 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
While the 12-4 Steelers came in as heavy favorites, the Rams gave them a tougher fight than anyone expected, making it one of the most underrated games in NFL history.
The Steelers, led by legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw, aimed to solidify their dynasty. But the Rams, a scrappy underdog squad, had other plans.
Los Angeles held Pittsburgh to a field goal on its first drive, and a one-yard touchdown from Rams running back Cullen Bryant made it 7-3. The Rams held a surprising 13-10 lead in the second half, forcing Bradshaw and company to dig deep. And dig deep, they did.
Bradshaw’s touchdown pass to John Stallworth was the game’s turning point. Bradshaw launched a stunning 73-yard pass to Stallworth, proving why they were the team to beat.
“Great teams aren’t always great, they’re just great when they have to be.”
The 73-yard fourth quarter touchdown rainbow from Terry Bradshaw to John Stallworth — the #Steelers‘ winning score of Super Bowl XIV.#HereWeGo
January 20, 1980 pic.twitter.com/T0den9cedJ— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 20, 2025
Through clutch plays and the Steel Curtain defense stepping up late, Pittsburgh sealed a 31-19 victory and its fourth Super Bowl title in six years.
This win was a defining moment in NFL history where Pittsburgh showcased grit and resilience — characteristics of its dynasty era. Steelers Nation still cherishes that day and longs for the team’s return to greatness.
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