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The 1967 NFL Championship Game, held on December 31 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is famously known as the "Ice Bowl." It was the coldest game in NFL history, with a game-time temperature of around −15°F (−26°C) and a wind chill of approximately −48°F (−44°C). The game featured a dramatic finish, leading to the Green Bay Packers defeating the Dallas Cowboys 21-17, solidifying its status as one of the greatest games in NFL history. This victory allowed the Packers to proceed to Super Bowl II, where they faced the AFL champion, the Oakland Raiders.

The game kicked off at 1 PM CST, where the Packers quickly took a 14-0 lead with two touchdown passes from Bart Starr to Boyd Dowler. The Cowboys, however, scored off two Green Bay turnovers and narrowed the lead to 14-10 by halftime. In a fast-paced final quarter, the Cowboys briefly took the lead 17-14, but the Packers responded with a touchdown in the final seconds, clinching a 21-17 victory.

In 1967, the NFL expanded to 16 teams and realigned into four divisions. The Dallas Cowboys, coached by Tom Landry, finished first in the Capitol Division with a 9-5 record, while the Green Bay Packers, under Vince Lombardi, claimed the Central Division title with a 9-4-1 record. Both teams were conference champions and faced each other in the championship title game, marking this matchup as a rematch of the previous year's game.

The buildup to the Ice Bowl was intense as it featured a rematch of the previous year's NFL Championship Game held in Dallas. Both coaches, Tom Landry and Vince Lombardi, were esteemed figures in the NFL, having previously worked together with the New York Giants. The Cowboys were determined to secure their first championship, while the Packers aimed to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive title. The media portrayal of this game heightened anticipation across the country, as many saw it as a grudge match with historical significance.

The 1967 NFL Championship Game was held in unrelenting cold, earning the nickname Ice Bowl due to the weather conditions. The game-time temperature sank to about −15°F (−26°C), which was exacerbated by a wind chill that made it feel like −48°F (−44°C). This frigid climate affected players and officials alike, with incidents such as the referee's whistle freezing to his lips. The playing surface became icy, leading to slips and variable play quality on both sides.

Following the Ice Bowl, the Packers celebrated their third consecutive NFL Championship, becoming the only team in the playoff era to achieve such a feat. This game significantly impacted both franchises; while the Packers continued their dominance with Super Bowl II victory, the Cowboys faced criticism for falling short. The Ice Bowl remains a defining moment in NFL history, symbolizing not only the severity of winter football but also the spirit of competition and resilience within the sport. In popular culture, it continues to be referenced and celebrated as one of NFL's greatest games.

The 1967 NFL Championship Game was broadcasted on CBS, featuring Ray Scott and Jack Buck as the play-by-play announcers, alongside Frank Gifford serving as the color commentator. The game drew an estimated viewership of over 30 million, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts of the time. Unfortunately, no complete footage of the game exists, although highlights and excerpts from the broadcast survive.

Both teams featured a number of future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees. For the Packers, notable figures included Bart Starr, Vince Lombardi, Ray Nitschke, and Willie Wood. From the Cowboys, prominent players such as Tom Landry, Bob Lilly, and Mel Renfro were key contributors. This game not only highlighted the stellar talents of future legends but also paved the way for their enduring legacies in football history.

The 1967 NFL season saw significant expansion and reorganization as the league added a sixteenth team and realigned into four divisions. This change meant that each division winner would advance to the postseason, creating a structured path for teams to pursue the championship. The competition intensified, with head coaches such as Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys and Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers leading their teams in a newfound rivalry enhanced by the stakes of the playoffs.

The 1967 NFL Championship Game, known as the Ice Bowl, featured dramatic plays that ultimately defined its outcome. With the Packers behind in the last quarter, Bart Starr orchestrated a long drive, culminating in a crucial touchdown that he scored on a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line with just 13 seconds left in the game. Although there were challenges, including icy field conditions affecting players' footing, Starr's ability to make the right calls under pressure showcased his skill and the Packers' resilience. This moment secured a 21–17 victory for Green Bay and solidified their place in NFL history.

The rivalry between Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry was marked not only by their teams' competitive spirit but also by their contrasting personalities. Lombardi was known for being vociferous and highly demanding, often displaying extreme emotions based on his team's performance. In contrast, Landry was stoic and calm, demonstrating a more analytical approach. This dynamic not only shaped their coaching styles but also fueled the media narrative around their respective teams, adding layers of intrigue to their face-offs like the 1967 NFL Championship Game.

The brutal cold during the Ice Bowl had a significant impact on player performance, presenting challenges to even the most seasoned athletes. Players on both teams struggled with hypothermia and frostbite, with several requiring medical attention. Additionally, the field conditions turned treacherous due to the frozen ground, causing slips and falls that affected both tackling and scoring plays. The officials faced similar struggles; the referee's metal whistle froze to his lips, causing him to officiate largely through voice commands for the remainder of the game. These extreme conditions emphasized the game’s legendary status and underscored the athletes' remarkable grit.

The aftermath of the Ice Bowl had notable implications for both Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry. For Lombardi, the victory reinforced his legacy as a coaching icon, as he ultimately led the Packers to another Super Bowl title shortly after. However, the loss deeply affected Landry, who faced criticism for his inability to secure championships during this period, a stigma that would latch onto his reputation until the Cowboys secured their first title in 1971. Both coaches’ careers were forever linked to this historic matchup, influencing how they were perceived in the league and celebrated by their fans.

The historical significance of the Ice Bowl extends far beyond its moment of play; it marked a critical juncture in the NFL's evolution and culture. This game not only highlighted the physical and mental toughness that players exhibit but also reinforced the narrative surrounding the NFL as a premier spectacle of sport in America. The legendary nature of this match has continued to capture the imaginations of fans and players alike, often referenced in discussions about cold-weather games and dramatic finishes. It has become a touchstone for evaluating grit and determination in the league, influencing how future games are approached and remembered.