47 Years Ago Today: The Houston Oilers Make Playoff History 

On January 4, 1978, the Houston Oilers made history by defeating the Miami Dolphins 17-9 in the first-ever AFC Wild Card playoff game—a thrilling moment before 70,036 fans at the Orange Bowl, marking Miami’s first home playoff game since 1973.

Earl Campbell was the heart of Houston’s offense, carrying the ball 26 times for 84 yards and a crucial 1-yard touchdown. His relentless power on the ground was a force Miami couldn’t stop. Meanwhile, Dan Pastorini, playing through the pain of cracked ribs and wearing a flak jacket for protection, threw for 306 yards, including a key 13-yard touchdown pass to Tim Wilson, securing the Oilers’ victory.

 Just one month earlier, these two teams had battled in a legendary Monday Night Football showdown at the Astrodome, where Campbell exploded for 199 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in a 35-30 Oilers win—a performance that left fans and critics in awe.

 That season, Earl Campbell cemented his place in NFL history by being named both NFL Rookie of the Year and League MVP, marking a legendary year that would define his iconic career.

47 years later, the memories of that unforgettable season still echo in the annals of football history. The Oilers’ victory, powered by Campbell’s brilliance and Pastorini’s toughness, remains one of the most unforgettable moments in the sport’s postseason history.