The 1981 Pro Bowl was the NFL's 31st annual all-star game which featured the outstanding performers from the 1980 season. The game was played on Sunday, February 1, 1981, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The final score was NFC 21, AFC 7.
Sam Rutigliano of the Cleveland Browns led the AFC team against an NFC team coached by Atlanta Falcons head coach Leeman Bennett. The referee was Gordon McCarter.
Rookie placekicker Eddie Murray of the Detroit Lions was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
Players on the winning NFC team received $5,000 apiece while the AFC participants each took home $2,500. The game was the first in NFL history played in February.
AFC roster
Offense PositionStarter(s)Reserve(s)Quarterback Brian Sipe, Cleveland Dan Fouts, San DiegoRunning back Earl Campbell, Houston Joe Cribbs, Buffalo Kenny King, OaklandFullback Mike Pruitt, Cleveland Franco Harris, PittsburghWide receiver John Jefferson, San Diego Charlie Joiner, San Diego Jerry Butler, Buffalo Stanley Morgan, New EnglandTight end Kellen Winslow, San Diego Dave Casper, HoustonOffensive tackle Doug Dieken, Cleveland Marvin Powell, N.Y. Jets Art Shell, OaklandOffensive guard John Hannah, New England Joe DeLamielleure, Cleveland Doug Wilkerson, San DiegoCenter Mike Webster, Pittsburgh Tom DeLeone, Cleveland
Defense PositionStarter(s)Reserve(s)Defensive end Fred Dean, San Diego Art Still, Kansas City Julius Adams, New EnglandDefensive tackle Gary Johnson, San Diego Louie Kelcher, San Diego Fred Smerlas, BuffaloOutside linebacker Robert Brazile, Houston Ted Hendricks, Oakland Jack Ham, PittsburghInside linebacker Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steve Nelson, New EnglandCornerback Lester Hayes, Oakland Mike Haynes, New England Greg Stemrick, HoustonFree safety Gary Barbaro, Kansas City Tim Fox, New EnglandStrong safety Donnie Shell, Pittsburgh
Special teams PositionStarter(s)Reserve(s)Punter Ray Guy, OaklandPlacekicker John Smith, New EnglandKick returner J.T. Smith, Kansas City
NFC roster
Offense PositionStarter(s)Reserve(s)Quarterback Steve Bartkowski, Atlanta Ron Jaworski, PhiladelphiaRunning back Walter Payton, Chicago Ottis Anderson, St. Louis Billy Sims, DetroitFullback William Andrews, AtlantaWide receiver Harold Carmichael, Philadelphia James Lofton, Green Bay Alfred Jenkins, Atlanta Ahmad Rashad, Minnesota Pat Tilley, St. LouisTight end Jimmie Giles, Tampa Bay Junior Miller, AtlantaOffensive tackle Dan Dierdorf, St. Louis Mike Kenn, Atlanta Pat Donovan, DallasOffensive guard Kent Hill, L.A. Rams Herbert Scott, Dallas Dennis Harrah, L.A. RamsCenter Rich Saul, Los Angeles Jeff Van Note, Atlanta
Defense PositionStarter(s)Reserve(s)Defensive end Al Baker, Detroit Lee Roy Selmon, Tampa Bay Dan Hampton, ChicagoDefensive tackle Charlie Johnson, Philadelphia Randy White, Dallas Larry Brooks, L.A. RamsOutside linebacker Matt Blair, Minnesota Brad Van Pelt, N.Y. Giants Dave Lewis, Tampa BayInside linebacker Bob Breunig, Dallas Jack Reynolds, L.A. RamsCornerback Rod Perry, L.A. Rams Pat Thomas, L.A. Rams Lemar Parrish, WashingtonFree safety Nolan Cromwell, Los AngelesStrong safety Gary Fencik, Chicago
Special teams PositionStarter(s)Reserve(s)Punter Dave Jennings, N.Y. GiantsPlacekicker Eddie Murray, DetroitKick returner Mike Nelms, Washington
References
External links