On January 27, 1991, the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills faced off in Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium in Florida. The game was a thrilling battle that came down to the wire, with the Giants emerging victorious by a score of 20-19.
The Bills, led by quarterback Jim Kelly and running back Thurman Thomas, had a high-powered offense that had steamrolled through the playoffs. They were looking to win their first Super Bowl after losing the previous year to the San Francisco 49ers.
On the other side, the Giants were a team built on a strong defense and a ball-control offense led by quarterback Jeff Hostetler, who had taken over for an injured Phil Simms late in the season.
The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams trading field goals in the first half. The Giants took a 10-3 lead into halftime after a touchdown run by Ottis Anderson.
In the second half, the Bills fought back and took a 19-17 lead with just over two minutes left in the game. However, the Giants had one last chance to win it.
Hostetler led the Giants on a dramatic drive down the field, converting several key third downs along the way. With just seconds left on the clock, Giants kicker Matt Bahr lined up for a 47-yard field goal attempt.
The kick was straight and true, splitting the uprights as time expired and giving the Giants a stunning 20-19 victory. The Giants had won their second Super Bowl in five years, and coach Bill Parcells cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
The game is also remembered for a key play by the Giants' defense late in the game. With the Bills driving for a potential game-winning score, Giants defensive end Bruce Smith forced a fumble by Bills running back Thurman Thomas. The Giants recovered the fumble, setting up their final drive and Bahr's game-winning kick.
Super Bowl XXV is considered one of the greatest games in Super Bowl history, and it will always be remembered for its dramatic finish and the Giants' unlikely victory over the heavily favored Bills.
