The Carolina Panthers were heavy favorites, having lost only once all season and with the league’s Most Valuable Player of the season Cam Newton at quarterback.
However, Cam Newton was smothered by the Broncos defense and gave up three turnovers – including one that led to a touchdown.
That helped Denver, quarterbacked by veteran Peyton Manning, open a 10-0 lead early on and they never lost it.
It had been rumored the game would be 39-year-old Peyton Manning’s last, but he said afterwards he would “take time to reflect”.
Cam Newton did not have a good game, but he was not helped by an awful display by Carolina’s receivers, with Jerricho Cotchery guilty of two crucial drops.
It’s a third Super Bowl title for the Broncos, while the Panthers are still waiting for their first.
The Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after completing five tackles, two and a half sacks and two forced fumbles.
“I’m so proud of my guys,” he said.
“It’s been every last one of you guys in the locker room that has gotten me to this moment right here.”
Von Miller, 26, becomes only the 10th defensive player to win the award and only the fourth linebacker.
He was the number two pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, in which Cam Newton was drafted first by the Panthers.
For Peyton Manning – the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes – this win will strengthen his case to be seen as the greatest quarterback of all time.
He has now won two and lost two of his four Super Bowl appearances – his first win coming with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 – and improved his post-season record to 14-13.
It was not a vintage performance from Peyton Manning, who was sacked five times and did not throw for a touchdown.
Coldplay were the main performers at the half-time and they were joined by Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson.
The British group opened the show by singing Yellow and Viva La Vida as children carrying multi-colored umbrellas and violins streamed onto the pitch.
Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson performed their hit Uptown Funk, before Beyonce sang her new song Formation.
They closed the show by performing a mash-up of Coldplay’s hit Fix You and Beyonce’s Crazy In Love.
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