Super Bowl XL (2006): Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XL by defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21–10. Hines Ward was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
Final Score
21–10
Champion
Pittsburgh Steelers
Runner-Up
Seattle Seahawks
MVP
Hines Ward (WR)
Stadium
Ford Field
Location
Detroit, MI
Halftime Show
Rolling Stones
Game Date
February 5, 2006
Game Recap: Super Bowl XL
The Pittsburgh Steelers captured Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. The final score of 21–10 in favor of Pittsburgh Steelers gave the franchise one of their most memorable championship moments. Jerome Bettis returned home to Detroit to win his first championship.
Super Bowl XL was the 40th edition of the NFL Championship game, drawing one of the largest television audiences of the year. The game was held at Ford Fieldin Detroit, MI, one of the premier venues in the NFL.
Key Storylines and Notable Facts
Jerome Bettis returned home to Detroit to win his first championship.
MVP Performance: Hines Ward
Hines Ward (WR) earned the Super Bowl XL Most Valuable Player award with a standout individual performance. The MVP award, officially known as the Pete Rozelle Trophy, has been given since Super Bowl I and recognizes the single most impactful player in each championship game. Hines Ward joins an elite list of Super Bowl MVP winners alongside Joe Montana (4 awards), Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw, and Tom Brady.
Halftime Show: Rolling Stones
The Super Bowl XL halftime show featured Rolling Stones. The halftime show has grown from a simple marching band performance in the early Super Bowls into one of the most-watched musical events in the world, routinely attracting over 120 million viewers. For a full ranking of every halftime show, see our best Super Bowl halftime shows guide.
Where Was Super Bowl XL Played?
Super Bowl XL was played at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. The NFL selects host cities based on stadium quality, hotel room capacity, and infrastructure. For a full list of every Super Bowl location, see our Super Bowl stadiums page and Super Bowl host cities guide.
Super Bowl XL Legacy
Super Bowl XL added to the Pittsburgh Steelers's championship legacy. The victory secured a place in NFL history and gave the franchise's fans one of their most celebrated moments. Championship victories are often defining moments for franchises — they elevate players to legend status, validate coaching philosophies, and become permanent fixtures in sports culture.
For the complete timeline of every Super Bowl champion, visit our Super Bowl winners page. To see how this game fits into the all-time records, visit the Super Bowl records page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for February 2027. The exact date and location will be officially announced by the NFL. The game typically takes place on the first Sunday of February.
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