PONTIAC, MI - JANUARY 24: The San Francisco 49ers goal line defense in action against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI on January 24, 1982 at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. The Niners won the Super Bowl 26 -21. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
As we count down to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., it's time to look back on the magical and memorable moments in the 49 previous Super Bowls. FOX Sports senior NFL writer Alex Marvez has ranked the 50 greatest moments in the big game's big history, and every weekday from now until Feb. 7 we'll unveil the latest addition to our countdown. Today, we look back at moment No. 13, when the 49ers defense -- not their future vaunted offense -- helped get the franchise's first ring.
Trailing by a 20-7 margin in the third quarter, Cincinnati had a golden chance to cut the deficit with a first-and-goal from San Francisco's 3-yard line.
But the 49ers kept the Bengals out of the end zone.
The key stop came on fourth down from the 49ers' 1. Fullback Pete Johnson's plunge behind the right side of Cincinnati's offensive line was stopped with a defensive charge led by safety Ronnie Lott and linebackers Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and Dan Bunz. 49ers nose tackle Archie Reese famously celebrated by pumping his arms while lying atop the pile.
The stand proved pivotal as San Francisco was able to stave off a fourth-quarter Bengals rally to win the franchise's first Super Bowl crown.
You can watch highlights from Super Bowl XVI here.
Final score: San Francisco 26, Cincinnati 21
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