1997 NFC Championship Game

1998 American football postseason game December 2024 1997 NFC Championship Game border:none; center 275 Green Bay Packers wordmark.svg San Francisco 49ers Saloon Wordmark.svg vertical 49ers and Packers wordmarks Green Bay Packers (2) GB Mike Holmgren 13–3 San Francisco 49ers (1) SF Steve Mariucci 13–3 3 10 0 10 23 0 3 0 7 10 January 11, 1998 3Com Park San Francisco, California, U.S. 68,987 Dick Hantak Fox Pat Summerall and John Madden The 1997 National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game was an American football game played between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers on January 11, 1998, at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California, United States. Both the Packers and 49ers finished the season with identical 13–3 records, each winning their respective divisions. The 49ers received the first seed in the playoffs due to tie-breakers: the 49ers had a better conference record than the Packers (11–1 versus 10–2, respectively). Both teams received first round byes during the Wild Card round. The Packers faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, winning 21–7 and advancing to their third straight NFC Championship Game. The 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round by a score of 38–22. With their higher seeding, the 49ers hosted the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. The Packers took a 13–3 lead into halftime behind two field goals and a Brett Favre touchdown pass to Antonio Freeman. Ryan Longwell kicked another field goal in the fourth quarter before Dorsey Levens scored a touchdown with under four minutes left in the game. Even though the 49ers returned the ensuing kick off for a touchdown, the Packers were able to hold on for a 23–10 victory. The victory was the third straight year that the Packers beat the 49ers in the playoffs. The game continued the growing 49ers–Packers rivalry of the 1990s. The Packers advanced to Super Bowl XXXII, their second straight, where they lost 31–24 to the Denver Broncos. The two teams met again the next season in the playoffs, with the 49ers winning in dramatic fashion in what became known as The Catch II game. Background 1997 Green Bay Packers season 1997 San Francisco 49ers season The Green Bay Packers entered the 1997 NFL season as the defending champions after winning Super Bowl XXXI. The San Francisco 49ers had been defeated in the Divisional Round of the playoffs that season by the Packers 35–14, the second straight season the Packers beat the 49ers in the playoffs. https://fox11online.com/sports/packers-and-nfl/green-bay-san-francisco-49ers-postseason-playoff-history-game-results-record-10th-meeting Fox11Online.com Statement wins and heartbreaking losses have marked Packers-49ers playoff history Hurley Scott January 16, 2024 December 18, 2024 March 10, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240310193019/https://fox11online.com/sports/packers-and-nfl/green-bay-san-francisco-49ers-postseason-playoff-history-game-results-record-10th-meeting live The Packers began their season somewhat slowly, going 3–2 during their first five games. However they won their next five games before suffering a showing defeat to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, who at the time were 0–10. The Packers rebounded with another five game winning streak to finish the season with a record of 13–3. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1997.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 1997 Green Bay Packers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees December 23, 2024 June 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220628005853/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1997.htm live Brett Favre was named the AP NFL Most Valuable Player Award for the season, sharing the award with Barry Sanders. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/28/sports/nfl-in-the-news-favre-and-sanders-share-mvp.html The New York Times N.F.L.: In the News; Favre and Sanders Share M.V.P. sec. 8, p. 13 Associated Press December 28, 1997 December 30, 2023 subscription July 15, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230715004600/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/28/sports/nfl-in-the-news-favre-and-sanders-share-mvp.html live The 49ers began the season with a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but then went on an 11 game win streak. After losing 44–9 against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14, the 49ers won their next two games to secure the first seed in the playoffs. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1997.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 1997 San Francisco 49ers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees December 23, 2024 September 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905095305/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1997.htm live The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the last game of the season, although they rested their starters, to finish with a record of 13–3. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-49ers-subs-drubbed-c-1/161422305/ 49ers subs drubbed: Part 1 Cour Jim Associated Press December 22, 1997 December 23, 2024 The Modesto Bee clipping Newspapers.com C-1 https://web.archive.org/web/20250424183843/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-49ers-subs-drubbed-c-1/161422305/ April 24, 2025 live https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-modesto-bee-49ers-subs-drubbed-c-4/161422409/ 49ers subs drubbed: Part 2 Cour Jim Associated Press December 22, 1997 December 23, 2024 The Modesto Bee clipping Newspapers.com C-4 Because both teams finished with the same record, tie-breakers determined seeding. Since neither team played each other, the relevant tie-breaker was conference record, which the 49ers won after going 11–1 in interconference games (the Packers went 10–2). https://www.nfl.com/standings/division/1997/reg NFL.com 1997 Regular Season Standings July 9, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250612042421/https://www.nfl.com/standings/division/1997/reg June 12, 2025 live https://www.nfl.com/standings/tie-breaking-procedures NFL.com NFL Tiebreaking Procedures July 9, 2025 May 19, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190519175614/https://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures live Both teams were awarded bye weeks during the first round of the playoffs. The Packers hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, while the 49ers hosted the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams won their playoff games, with the Packers winning 21–7 and the 49ers winning 38–22. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1997/index.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 1997 NFL Standings & Team Stats December 23, 2024 June 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220628005852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1997/index.htm live With their higher seed, the 49ers earned the right to host the Packers in the NFC Championship Game, which would be played at 3Com Park on January 11, 1998. https://www.newspapers.com/article/okmulgee-daily-times-pressures-on-denve/170310694/ Pressure's on Denver in championship Associated Press January 11, 1998 April 14, 2025 Okmulgee Daily Times clipping Newspapers.com https://web.archive.org/web/20250423065429/https://www.newspapers.com/article/okmulgee-daily-times-pressures-on-denve/170310694/ April 23, 2025 live The Packers were 1.5 point favorites. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-packers-49ers-preview/161422961/ Packers-49ers Preview Finkelmeyer Todd January 10, 1998 December 23, 2024 The Capital Times clipping Newspapers.com 2B Game summary thumb|right|3Com Park, shown here in 2014, was the site of the NFC Championship Game.|alt=Photo of empty 3Com Park First half The 49ers began the game with the ball, moving to mid-field before being forced to punt. The Packers ensuing drive last 10 plays, going 76 yards before being stopped just short of the end zone. 49ers cornerback Rod Woodson was flagged for a 27-yard pass interference penalty on the drive. Ryan Longwell kicked a 19-yard field goal to give the Packers a 3–0 lead. Both teams traded three-and-outs before the 49ers took a six play, 60-yard drive into Packers' territory. However, Steve Young was intercepted by Eugene Robinson and returned 58 yards. The Packers scored two plays later on a 27-yard pass from Brett Favre to Antonio Freeman, increasing the Packers lead to 10–0. The 49ers punted on their ensuing drive. The Packers took over and drove 57 yards over 11 plays, although Longwell missed a 47-yard field goal attempt to give the ball back to the 49ers. The 49ers finally scored, with Gary Anderson converting a 28-yard field goal to cut into the Packers lead, 10–3. The drive was extended with a 48-yard catch from Young to J. J. Stokes on third-and-26. With less than a minute left in the half, the Packers drove 48 yards in 3 plays, including a 40-yard heave from Favre to Freeman, to give Longwell a shot at a 43-yard field goal, which he converted. The Packers took a 13–3 into halftime. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-nfc-championship/161423301/ NFC Championship Game: Packers 23 - 49ers 10 January 12, 1998 December 23, 2024 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 6 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423065132/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-nfc-championship/161423301/ April 23, 2025 live Second half In the third quarter, neither team scored. The Packers and 49ers exchanged two punts each after drives that went less than 50 yards. The Packers and 49ers exchanged punts again at the beginning of the fourth quarter, before the Packers scored on a nine-play, 28 yard drive. Longwell converted a 25-yard field goal to put the Packers up 16–3. On the ensuing drive, the 49ers went for it on fourth down, although Young was sacked by Keith McKenzie, giving the ball to the Packers on their 11-yard line. Two plays later, Dorsey Levens ran in a five-yard touchdown to increase the Packers lead to 23–3. On the kickoff, Chuck Levy complete a 95-yard return for a touchdown, cutting the Packers lead to 23–10. The Packers went three-and-out on their next drive, punting the ball back to the 49ers. The 49ers moved the ball on their drive, but Young fumbled and the Packers recovered the ball. They ran one play to end the game, winning 23–10. Box score #fff #eee Green Bay Packers 2;text-align:center; Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers – Game summary Packers 3 10 0 10 49ers 0 3 0 7 3Com Park, San Francisco, California 6:00 p.m. EST/3:00 p.m. PST 57 °F °C, rain Fox Pat Summerall and John Madden Dick Hantak 68,987 Sources: Pro-Football-Reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801110sfo.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com December 20, 2024 NFC Championship - Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers - January 11th, 1998 June 23, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230623151113/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801110sfo.htm live and the Green Bay Press-Gazette https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-game-summary/161268612/ Game Summary January 12, 1998 December 20, 2024 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 6 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423073930/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-game-summary/161268612/ April 23, 2025 live First quarter GB Green Bay – Ryan Longwell 19-yard field goal, 2:48. Packers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:16. Second quarter GB Green Bay – Antonio Freeman 27-yard pass from Brett Favre (Ryan Longwell kick), 11:30. Packers 10–0. Drive: 2 plays, 28 yards, 0:44. SF San Francisco – Gary Anderson 28-yard field goal, 0:58. Packers 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 3:25. GB Green Bay – Ryan Longwell 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Packers 13–3. Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 0:58. Third quarter No scoring Fourth quarter GB Green Bay – Ryan Longwell 25-yard field goal, 5:12. Packers 16–3. Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 5:02. GB Green Bay – Dorsey Levens 5-yard rush (Ryan Longwell kick), 3:10. Packers 23–3. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:48. SF San Francisco – Chuck Levy 95-yard kickoff return (Gary Anderson kick), 2:52. Packers 23–10. Drive: 1 play, 95 yards, 0:18. Green Bay Packers stats Passing Brett Favre – 16/27, 222 yards, 1 touchdown Rushing Dorsey Levens – 27 rushes, 114 yards, 1 touchdown William Henderson – 3 rushes, 2 yards Brett Favre – 2 rushes, -10 yards Receiving Antonio Freeman – 9 receptions, 138 yards, 1 touchdown Dorsey Levens – 4 receptions, 27 yards Robert Brooks – 3 receptions, 36 yards Mark Chmura – 2 receptions, 18 yards Tyrone Davis – 1 reception, 17 yards Derrick Mayes – 1 reception, 10 yards William Henderson – 1 reception, 7 yards San Francisco 49ers stats Passing Steve Young – 23/38, 250 yards, 1 interception Rushing Garrison Hearst – 8 rushes, 12 yards Terry Kirby – 6 rushes, 21 yards Steve Young – 2 rushes, 1 yard Receiving Terrell Owens – 6 receptions, 100 yards J. J. Stokes – 6 receptions, 87 yards Terry Kirby – 4 receptions, 7 yards Garrison Hearst – 3 receptions, 14 yards Iheanyi Uwaezuoke – 2 receptions, 14 yards Greg Clark – 1 reception, 16 yards Brent Jones – 1 reception, 12 yards Analysis thumb|right|Brett Favre had a productive game, throwing for 222 yards and two touchdowns.|alt=Favre standing in his Packers uniform. Post-game analysis focused on the Packers defense, especially its pass defense in the second half. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-robinson-comes-u/170324582/ Robinson comes up with big interception Demovsky Rob Havel Chris January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 5 April 24, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250424162127/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-robinson-comes-u/170324582/ live https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-they-packers/170324885/ They Pack a great defense Beitiks Edvins January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 San Francisco Examiner clipping Newspapers.com B-7 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423070834/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-they-packers/170324885/ April 23, 2025 live Although Young began the game completing his first 10 passes, the Packers shut him down in the second half. They sacked Young four times, forced three fumbles, and held him to just 52 yards passing in the half. Young also threw an interception that swung momentum over to the Packers and led to a short touchdown drive. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-still-back-of/170324944/ Still back of the Pack: Part 1 Crumpacker John January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 San Francisco Examiner clipping Newspapers.com B-1 April 23, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423073222/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-still-back-of/170324944/ live https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-still-back-of/170324971/ Still back of the Pack: Part 2 Crumpacker John January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 San Francisco Examiner clipping Newspapers.com B-8 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423071537/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-still-back-of/170324971/ April 23, 2025 live The 49ers only gained three first downs in the second half, with two of those occurring during the last minute of the game. The Packers defense also did not allow an offensive touchdown during the game, the first time it did that since 1965. The 49ers only touchdown came on a 95-yard kick-off return by Levy, which was the longest return and the first return for a touchdown against the Packers in the playoffs. The Packers did a good job preventing Young from scrambling, while the rainy conditions were better managed by the Packers. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-defense-wins-bat/170324617/ Defense wins battle on ground Demovsky Rob January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423065621/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-defense-wins-bat/170324617/ April 23, 2025 live https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-defense-finds-it/170324697/ Defense finds its strut Dougherty Pete January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 2 https://web.archive.org/web/20250424045832/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-defense-finds-it/170324697/ April 24, 2025 live The Packers had a productive running game, while the 49ers fell flat. Levens increased his Packers single playoff game rushing record to 114 yards, while the 49ers only managed 33 yards rushing as a team. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-running-game/170324818/ Running game goes nowhere vs. Packers Adams Bruce January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 San Francisco Examiner clipping Newspapers.com B-7 The Packers also balanced their offense well, with Favre throwing for 222 yards and two touchdowns, with most of the damage going to Freeman and Robert Brooks. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-take-it/170324664/ Packers take it to Woodson, Pope Demovsky Rob January 12, 1998 April 14, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 April 23, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423070145/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-take-it/170324664/ live Outcome The Packers advanced to Super Bowl XXXII against the Denver Broncos; it was the Packers second consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/index.htm Green Bay Packers Franchise Encyclopedia December 23, 2024 Pro-Football-Reference.com March 24, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190324190901/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/index.htm live In a back-and-forth affair, the Broncos beat the Packers 31–24 after giving up 157 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns to running back Terrell Davis. https://www.denverpost.com/2022/10/23/broncos-super-bowl-xxxii-anniversary-terrell-davis/ Broncos' Terrell Davis: Impact of Super Bowl XXXII is priceless The Denver Post Saunders Patrick October 23, 2022 December 23, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241223174348/https://www.denverpost.com/2022/10/23/broncos-super-bowl-xxxii-anniversary-terrell-davis/ December 23, 2024 live Both the Packers and 49ers returned to the playoffs in the 1998 NFL season, facing each other in the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The 49ers finally beat the Packers, securing a last-minute victory in what became known as The Catch II game. 'The Catch II': Owens gets redemption in 1998 NFC wild-card game https://www.nfl.com/news/the-catch-ii-owens-gets-redemption-in-1998-nfc-wild-card-game-09000d5d8189bcb4 June 21, 2024 NFL.com January 22, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210122192954/https://www.nfl.com/news/the-catch-ii-owens-gets-redemption-in-1998-nfc-wild-card-game-09000d5d8189bcb4 live Legacy The game marked the third straight season the Packers beat the 49ers in the playoffs, continuing a a growing rivalry between the teams that has been maintained into the 21st century. The Packers visit the 49ers for record-setting 10th playoff matchup https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/01/18/the-packers-visit-the-49ers-for-record-setting-10th-playoff-matchup/72270357007/ February 24, 2024 USAToday.com February 24, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240224170936/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/01/18/the-packers-visit-the-49ers-for-record-setting-10th-playoff-matchup/72270357007/ live It was also a part of a personal rivalry between quarterbacks Brett Favre and Steve Young that ended up including four playoff games in the 1990s. https://www.nfl.com/videos/mega-matchup-brett-favre-vs-steve-young-270145 NFL.com Mega Matchup: Brett Favre vs. Steve Young NFL Throwback April 14, 2025 It was the first time in at least 17 years that a team beat the 49ers four straight times. The game also gave the Packers their second consecutive berth into the Super Bowl, continuing their strong level of performance that decade. https://www.packers.com/news/1997-packers-weren-t-the-96-packers-on-paper-or-on-the-field Packers.com 1997 Packers weren't the '96 Packers on paper or on the field April 14, 2025 April 18, 2024 Christl Cliff Cliff Christl https://web.archive.org/web/20241224030142/https://www.packers.com/news/1997-packers-weren-t-the-96-packers-on-paper-or-on-the-field December 24, 2024 live The 49ers and Packers would not meet in another NFC Championship Game until 2019. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/green-bay-packers/teamvsteam?opp=27 Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers Results April 14, 2025 FootballDB.com https://web.archive.org/web/20240121001112/https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/green-bay-packers/teamvsteam?opp=27 January 21, 2024 live In 2020, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ranked the game as one of the greatest moments in Wisconsin sports history over the previous 50 years. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2020/06/03/great-wisconsin-sports-moments-nos-71-80/5264362002/ 50 in 50: Here are moments Nos. 71 to 80 among the greatest in Wisconsin sports over the past 50 years July 9, 2025 June 3, 2020 Radcliffe JR Milwaukee Journal Sentinel subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20240131182114/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2020/06/03/great-wisconsin-sports-moments-nos-71-80/5264362002/ January 31, 2024 live In 2024, the newspaper also ranked it as one of the best games between the Packers and 49ers in their rivalry. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2024/11/19/ranking-13-best-games-between-green-bay-packers-san-francisco-49ers/76415403007/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel November 19, 2024 July 9, 2025 Our ranking of 13 memorable clashes between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers Radcliffe JR November 26, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241126191456/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2024/11/19/ranking-13-best-games-between-green-bay-packers-san-francisco-49ers/76415403007/ live References External links iRrvxZ7STVg 1997 NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers Category:1997 NFL season Category:NFL playoff games Category:Green Bay Packers playoff games Category:San Francisco 49ers postseason Category:1998 in sports in California NFC Championship Game Category:American football competitions in San Francisco Category:Candlestick Park Category:January 1998 sports events in the United States Category:NFC Championship Games Category:Brett Favre