Rare Photos from the 1990 NFL Season
As another NFL season gets ready to begin, SI.com takes a look back at the NFL 20 years ago with these rare photos of the 1990 season. Barry Sanders, who led the NFL with 1,304 rushing yards, reads a book in the Lions' locker room.
Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor relaxes before a game against the 49ers. LT and the Giants defense led the league in fewest points allowed (211) on their way to a Super Bowl championship.
San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana compares notes with Steve Young during halftime of a 7-3 victory over the Giants.
Falcons QB Chris Miller is escorted off the field after suffering a separated shoulder during a game against the Buccaneers.
Bengals offensive lineman Bruce Kozerski does double-duty as he blocks Rams defenders Brian Smith and Doug Reed during a game at Anaheim Stadium.
Colts rookie Tony Siragusa celebrates after a sack against the Bengals. Siragusa would go on to play 12 seasons, highlighted by a win in Super Bowl XXXV as a member of the Ravens.
Bears running back Neal Anderson sends a Viking defender flying during Chicago's 19-16 victory at Soldier Field with Jim Harbaugh as quarterback.
The 1990 season was bittersweet for Bo Jackson. He ran for nearly 700 yards and scored five touchdowns as the Raiders finished with a 12-4 record and AFC West crown. But during a playoff game against the Bengals, Jackson suffered a serious hip injury that would force him to retire from the NFL.
Pittsburgh defensive back Rod Woodson and wide receiver Louis Lipps take in the action during the Steelers' 20-3 loss to the Raiders.
Cardinals wide receiver Roy Green celebrates after a touchdown against the Eagles.
Dallas QB Troy Aikman delivers the play call during a game against Washington. Aikman, in his second NFL season, threw for 2,579 yards with 11 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Kansas City defensive coordinator Bill Cowher looks on during the Chiefs 17-16 loss to Miami in the 1990 AFC Wild Card game in Miami. Cowher spent seven seasons as an assistant under Marty Schottenheimer, four in Cleveland and three in Kansas City, before taking over as head coach of the Steelers.
Atlanta cornerback Deion Sanders walks on the field before a game against San Francisco. Sanders, who was also playing for the Atlanta Braves, became the first person to hit a major league home run and score a NFL touchdown in the same week.
Jeff Hostetler does a headstand to celebrate Matt Bahr's last-second field goal, which gave the Giants a 15-13 victory over the 49ers and a spot in the Super Bowl.
Giants head coach Bill Parcells before a game against the Redskins. The Big Tuna would lead the Giants to a Super Bowl victory later that season.
Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, who led the league with a 101.2 passer rating, arrives at RFK Stadium before a game against the Redskins.
The 49ers Cheerleaders perform during a game between Pittsburgh and San Francisco at Candlestick Park.
After a miserable season in San Diego, Jim McMahon joined the Eagles, where be backed up Randall Cunningham. He would finish the season with nine passing attempts.
Philadelphia defensive tackle Mike Golic leaves the field during the Eagles' 27-21 victory over Los Angeles. Golic played eight NFL seasons for three teams before becoming a broadcaster at ESPN.
Green Bay quarterback Don Majkowski looks on during a game against Tampa Bay. Majkowski had a strong start to the season but tore his rotator cuff during Week 10 and missed the rest of the season.
The 1990 season marked the final one for 49ers safety Ronnie Lott in San Francisco. The safety is one of five players to play for the 49ers during all four of their Super Bowls in the 1980s (joining Joe Montana, Keena Turner, Eric Wright and Mike Wilson.)
Washington linebacker Andre Collins tackles San Francisco running back Roger Craig during a game at Candlestick Park.
Chicago defensive lineman Richard Dent sacks Atlanta quarterback Chris Miller during a game at Soldier Field.