Super Bowl XXIII

football [1989]

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July 21, 2026

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Super Bowl XXIII, played in 1989, saw the San Francisco 49ers defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16. This marked the third Super Bowl victory for 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Montana, known for his calm demeanor under pressure earning him the nickname "Joe Cool," led a dramatic late-game drive to secure the win. This game was part of the broader history of the Super Bowl, which originated from the competition between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) before their merger.123

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Cincinnati Bengals
Founding and first decades
…against the 49ers in the Super Bowl for a second time and were again denied a championship; San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana led his team to a last-minute 20–16 victory.
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…against the 49ers in the Super Bowl for a second time and were again denied a championship; San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana led his team to a last-minute 20–16 victory.
Read More