Super Bowl XXIV
The San Francisco 49ers scored early and often and crushed the Denver Broncos 55-10 on January 28, 1990 in pro football's Super Bowl. 49ers quarterback Joe Montana set a new Super Bowl passing record by throwing five (5) touchdown passes, including three to legendary receiver, Jerry Rice.
The former record for TD passes was four (4) set by Terry Bradshaw of the Pittsburgh Steelers, 1/21/79 and tied by Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins on 1/31/81.
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Player Bios: compiled by staff@footballhistorian.com
Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers Quarterback - set a new record with a 112.4 Pass Rating in 1989, the highest total in football history.... joined the 49ers back in 1979 and has been one of the top quarterbacks in the history of football. Joe Montana has six seasons of over 3,000 passing yards - his high of 3,910 came in the 1983-84 season - and he thrown over twenty TD passes in a single season - five times. In 1989 he completed 271-of-386 passes, good for 3,521 yards and 26 TD.
Dennis Smith, Denver Broncos Safety - drafted out of USC Back in '81, the hard-hitting safety was named Denver's Defensive MVP in 1989... and was selected to the 1989-1990 AFC Pro Bowl All-Star Team. Dennis Smith has already nabbed 17 career interceptions, including 2 in 1989.
Jim Everett, Los Angeles Rams Quarterback - has led all NFL quarterbacks in touchdowns thrown the last two seasons - 31 TD in 1988 and 29 TD in 1989... his longest TD pass in '89 was a 78-yard bomb to Flipper Anderson. In 1989 Jim Everett completed 304-of-518 passes, good for 4,310 yards.
Mike Lansford, Los Angeles Rams Kicker - hails from Washington University... he debuted in pro football with the Rams in '82 and is the most prolific scorer in the team's history... in 1989 Mike Lansford 51 Extra Points was tops in the NFL... he kicked two successful 52-yard field goals in 1985.
Pepper Johnson, New York Giants Linebacker - a bruising inside linebacker, he attended Ohio State and was drafted by the Giants in Feb '86... has been a Giant starter the past three years '87-'89... in 1989 Pepper Johnson made 51 tackles, and had 13 assists and scored a 39-yard touchdown on a interception.
Cris Carter, Philadelphia Eagles Wide-Receiver - a swift receiver out of Ohio State University, he became a regular in '88... and the 6ft, 3inch-198-pounder led all Eagle receivers with 11 touchdown receptions in 1989, and chalked up 45 receptions, 6-5-yards, a 13.4 average in 1989. His brother Butch Carter played in the NBA from 1980-86.
Gary Zimmerman, Minnesota Vikings Tackle - joined the squad in 1986, the huge 6ft, 6inch - 284-pounder ranks as one of the best offensive tackles in football... an All-Star performer, he was selected for his third straight Pro Bowl in 1989... Gary Zimmerman was voted All-Pac 10 and captured Morris Trophy as Outstanding Offensive lineman in the Conference in his senior year at Oregon.
Gary Clark, Washington Red Skins Wide-Receiver - a well-regarded pass-catcher, he debuted in pro ball with Jacksonville of the old USFL in 1984... joined the 'Skins in 1985 and has been a regular-fixture in their offense since... Gary Clark put up career-best marks this past season - 1989-90 - with 79 receptions and 9 TD... and had Washington's longest touchdown pass of the season - a 80-yarder.
Frank Minnifield, Cleveland Browns Cornerback - signed as a free agent in '84, the veteran intercepted 3 passes in '86, 4 in '87, 4 in '88 and 3 in '89... although only 5ft, 9inches, he's noted for his aggressive play and racked up 17 Passes Defended in '89.
Merril Hoge, Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back - a power-packed runner, he's also one of the best pass-catchers on the Steelers... he was used on specially teams in his rookie year of '87 and emerged to become a top all-around offensive players... Merril Hoge averaged 4.1 yards in 170 carries in 1988 and this past season ('89) he collected 621-yards in 186 attempts, a 3.3 average/per/carry.
Hoby Brener, New Orleans Saints Tight-End - a popular player, he's a 9-year pro veteran, all with the Saints... he registered a career-high 42 receptions in '83 along with a career-best 652 yards... and including the '89-'90 season Hoby Brener has caught 18 TD passes, 211 receptions, 3,125-yards for a 14.8 yard average.
