Who did the New England Patriots lose to in Super Bowl XXXI?

The New England Patriots lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI.

The Packers defeated the Patriots 35–21 on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Green Bay’s victory gave the franchise its first Super Bowl title since the first two championship games of the late 1960s and its third Super Bowl overall.

Quarterback Brett Favre led the Packers’ offense, while Desmond Howard made history as the game’s Most Valuable Player. Howard was a kickoff and punt return specialist, and his award remains notable because Super Bowl MVP honors usually go to a quarterback, running back, or wide receiver.

New England, coached by Bill Parcells, briefly stayed close after scoring 14 points in the first quarter. Green Bay answered with a strong second quarter and entered halftime ahead 27–14. The Packers’ defense and special teams helped preserve the lead in the second half.

This game is sometimes confused with later Patriots Super Bowl losses, particularly Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants. Super Bowl XXXI was the first Super Bowl defeat in Patriots franchise history.