San Francisco 49ers: Top 10 Moments in Franchise’s Super Bowl History
By Peter Panacy
No. 8: Earl Cooper Finds the End Zone in Super Bowl XVI
Result: 49ers 26, Bengals 21
Former 49ers tight end Earl Cooper may not have had a storied legacy in San Francisco. But he owns an iconic mark in franchise history for being the first Niner to haul in a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.
This came, of course, during the 49ers’ 26-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI — a game that is known more for quarterback Joe Montana and the beginning stages of the Niners dynasty.
San Francisco was already out to a 7-0 lead when Montana found Cooper for an 11-yard touchdown reception at the 7:25 mark of the second quarter. Cooper subsequently leaped and spiked the ball, which later became Sports Illustrated’s cover for the game.
As it turned out, the 49ers would need Cooper’s score in a big way. And a defensive stand against their own goal line.
Still, Cooper’s catch and celebration helped ensure the 49ers would go on to earn their first Super Bowl crown. Thus it’s impossible to leave off this list.
Next: Bill Walsh Carried off the Field after Super Bowl XIX