Super Bowl XLIII
The Arizona Cardinals sought their first NFL title since 1947 but fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27–23.
Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions Arizona Cardinals. Played on February 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the contest decided the NFL champion for the 2008 season. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals by a score of 27–23. For the Cardinals, this was a historic run seeking their first NFL title since 1947, ending what became the league's longest championship drought at the time. The team compiled a 9–7 record during the regular season under head coach Ken Whisenhunt and with the re-emergence of quarterback Kurt Warner.
- Event
- Super Bowl XLIII
- Date
- February 1, 2009
- Location
- Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Opponent
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Final Score
- Steelers 27, Cardinals 23
- Head Coach
- Ken Whisenhunt
- Result
- Loss
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The road to Super Bowl XLIII began in 2006 when Ken Whisenhunt left the Steelers to coach the Arizona Cardinals. He joined a franchise that had never advanced to the Super Bowl and held the second-longest championship drought in U.S. sports, dating back to 1947. Whisenhunt brought assistant head coach Russ Grimm with him to remodel the team. The season relied heavily on quarterback Kurt Warner, who returned from retirement after being the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. The Cardinals entered the playoffs as an unexpected winner with a 9–7 record. Historically, this game matched two pre-expansion-era franchises: the Cardinals (founded in 1898) and the Steelers (founded in 1933). It was also the first time since Super Bowl XVIII that two quarterbacks who previously started for Super Bowl-winning teams faced each other.
In Their Own Story
The game saw the Steelers jump to a 17–7 halftime lead, aided by linebacker James Harrison's Super Bowl-record 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. Trailing 20–7 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Cardinals mounted an incredible comeback, scoring 16 consecutive points. This rally included a safety that led to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's 64-yard touchdown reception, giving Arizona their first lead with 2:37 remaining. However, the Steelers marched 78 yards down the field. With just 35 seconds left, wide receiver Santonio Holmes caught a 6-yard game-winning touchdown pass. Holmes finished with nine catches for 131 yards and was named Super Bowl MVP, becoming only the sixth wide receiver to win the award.
Reader's Guide
For fans analyzing the 2008 season, the Cardinals' run is defined by the leadership of Ken Whisenhunt and the resurgence of Kurt Warner. The team transformed from a perennial loser into a champion contender in just one year. Key moments include the 16-point fourth-quarter surge and the strategic use of veteran talent like Fitzgerald and Warner. Although the result was a loss, the performance established Arizona as a serious threat on the biggest stage. This appearance remains significant as the last time a Phoenix-based team reached the championship round of a major North American sports league until the Phoenix Suns made the NBA Finals in 2021.
Did You Know?
- This was the last game to feature famed commentator John Madden, who retired two months after the game.
- The NBC broadcast attracted an average U.S. audience of 98.7 million viewers, making it the most watched Super Bowl in history at that time.
- Santonio Holmes caught four receptions for 73 yards on the final 78-yard game-winning drive.
- The Cardinals' loss extended their championship drought to over 60 years since their last title in 1947.
- This was the third Super Bowl in history to feature two pre-expansion-era (pre-1960) teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Arizona Cardinals face in Super Bowl XLIII?
The Cardinals played against the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers on February 1, 2009. The game took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
What was the final score of Super Bowl XLIII?
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 27–23. This narrow margin highlighted how close the contest remained throughout the night.
Why is Super Bowl XLIII significant for the Arizona Cardinals?
It marked the franchise's first appearance in the Super Bowl since moving to Arizona and their first NFL championship game since 1947. Despite falling short, it ended a long drought of playoff success for the team.
Who was the head coach leading the Cardinals during this game?
Ken Whisenhunt served as the head coach who guided the team through an improbable 9–7 regular season to reach the title game. His leadership helped establish the squad as a legitimate contender despite their modest record.
How did the Cardinals' Super Bowl XLIII run conclude?
The team's historic pursuit of its first championship ended in defeat against the Steelers by four points. Although they lost, the performance remains a celebrated chapter in franchise history for bringing them so close to victory.
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