Fox News Flash top sports headlines for January 31
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Jim McMahon quarterbacked the great Chicago Bears team that steamrolled the New England Patriots in the 1986 Super Bowl and then backed up Brett Favre for the Green Bay Packers during the 1996 season and finished his career with two rings.
As the Super Bowl heads to Las Vegas and McMahon prepares to host the Gridiron Greats Celebrity Golf Classic, Fox News Digital asked the Pro Bowl quarterback about his fondest memories playing in the biggest games of his career.
"The first one I actually played in and actually had something to do with, down in New Orleans against the Patriots, the only recollection I had was getting out of town before I got shot," he recalled.
"I had an idiot reporter go on TV, said I called women sluts and the men stupid, this and that. Where that came from, I don’t know. So, I don’t really remember the first Super Bowl."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon on the sidelines against the New England Patriots during the 1986 Super Bowl at the Superdome. (Manny Rubio/USA Today Sports)
The fake story from a local television station in New Orleans was sourced to a local radio disc jockey at the time. It sparked death threats, a demonstration and an apology. The incident happened about five days before the Super Bowl.
The Bears still beat the Patriots.
Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) and defensive tackle (76) Steve McMichael celebrate as they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX at the Superdome 46-10 Jan. 26, 1986, in New Orleans. (Malcolm Emmons/USA Today Sports )
"The second time, I went down to New Orleans again," McMahon said. "It was on the same day in the same stadium against the same team, 11 years apart, which was kind of a déjà vu moment for me. But I got a free ride. I didn’t have to do anything. Brett was having a great year. I think he was MVP that year for the NFL.
"So, yeah, it was great to win another ring. But, yeah, my memories of the game, it was, just like I said, I wanted to forget the first one. I just sat there and watched the second one. It was nice to end it that way."
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jim McMahon (9) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Fla., Sept. 1, 1996. (USA Today Sports)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
McMahon retired after the 1996 season, finishing his career with 18,148 passing yards and 100 touchdown passes.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.