Steelers Beat The Cardinals In Super Bowl XLIII But Kurt Warner Remained Confident That Arizona Won That Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers engaged in one Super Bowl clash that stands out as an unforgettable duel of determination and drama. Super Bowl XLIII, in which they squared off against the Arizona Cardinals, remains etched in the memories of Steelers fans as one of the most cherished moments. The year was 2009, and the stage was primed for a showdown that would create an enduring legacy in the annals of football history.

The Steelers, long heralded for their championship pedigree, entered the fray as favorites. They boasted a sterling 12-4 record, with a young Mike Tomlin at the helm, guiding the team towards another shot at glory. The journey to the Super Bowl saw them power past the San Diego Chargers and conquer the Baltimore Ravens in a battle of defensive legends.

On the other side of the gridiron, the Cardinals took a different route to the big game. Without the luxury of a bye week, they embarked on a gritty postseason journey, winning three consecutive games to earn their ticket to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII.

The championship clash between these two teams would ultimately be remembered as one of the most thrilling Super Bowl contests ever played. For much of the game, it seemed as though the Cardinals might defy the odds and clinch victory. Then, in the waning moments, the Steelers orchestrated a legendary game-winning drive, etching their name in history books forever.

Kurt Warner Believes The Steelers Lost To The Cardinals In Super Bowl XLIII

Recently, Kurt Warner, the former quarterback who led the Cardinals during that unforgettable Super Bowl, sat down for an interview on the Audiorama Youtube Channel. In conversation with Joe Buck on his show Undeniable, Warner reflected on his perspective of that game and why he believed the Cardinals had won, despite the scoreboard.

"When I look back and when I say I have perspective, sometimes you can win when you lose. Without question, that game taught me that more than any others. That team and what we accomplished, even if I look at my career, we won that day. Two minutes to go, everybody in the world going, 'The Arizona Cardinals are good enough to win the Super Bowl ... that was a win for us. It was one of the greatest games I've ever played in."

The Super Bowl showdown between the Cardinals and the Steelers is etched in the memory of football fans as an electrifying display of skill and determination. With the Steelers ahead 20-7 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Cardinals staged a remarkable comeback, surging to a 23-20 lead with just two minutes and 37 seconds remaining. Then, Ben Roethlisberger embarked on an eight-play, 78-yard drive, culminating in an astonishing six-yard touchdown catch by Santonio Holmes that clinched the Super Bowl victory for the Steelers. 

Despite not securing a Super Bowl ring in that game, Warner's perspective remains unique and telling of his character. While the loss may have been disappointing, he cherishes the journey his Cardinals team undertook to reach the Super Bowl. The 9-7 Cardinals were the underdogs and a captivating story in the NFL.

"To me, I left that stadium winning that game. Whether I got the ring or not."

Statistically, the Cardinals outgained the Steelers, putting up 407 yards of total offense compared to the Steelers' 292 yards. Warner himself threw for a staggering 377 yards, along with three touchdowns and one interception. The game featured one of the most iconic plays in football history when James Harrison intercepted Warner's pass and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown right before half time. Additionally, legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald torched the Steelers' secondary, amassing seven receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

On the other side of the field, Roethlisberger threw for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Holmes, with his nine catches for 131 yards and a memorable touchdown, etched his name into Steelers lore.

Warner's perspective on that Super Bowl loss serves as a testament to his sportsmanship and character. Despite the outcome, he believes the Cardinals did everything necessary to secure victory, and that, in his mind, is a victory in itself. Super Bowl XLIII remains an unforgettable chapter in NFL history, and Warner's outlook adds a unique layer to its enduring legacy.