1937 NFL Championship
The 1937 NFL Championship: Rookie Sammy Baugh's aerial assault lifts Washington over Chicago 28–21.
The 1937 NFL Championship Game was the fifth championship game of the National Football League (NFL), held December 12 at Wrigley Field in Chicago with an attendance of 15,878. The game featured the Western Division champions Chicago Bears (9–1–1) and the Eastern Division champions Washington Redskins (8–3), with the Redskins winning 28–21.
- Year
- 1937
- Opponent
- N/A (Lions did not play in the championship)
- Location
- N/A
- Final Score
- N/A
- Head Coach
- Dutch Clark
- Key Player
- N/A (Lions did not participate; Bobby Layne and Bob Brazelton were not on the 1937 roster)
- MVP/Star
- N/A
Lore & Background
Prior to the 1937 season, Redskins owner George Preston Marshall moved the team from Boston to his hometown of Washington, D.C. The Redskins selected quarterback Sammy Baugh from TCU in the first round of the 1937 NFL draft, and the rookie led the league in passing with a then-record 81 pass completions, and Redskins halfback Cliff Battles led the NFL in rushing with 874 yards. The Bears had a nine-win season under head coach George Halas. Baugh stated that the field conditions were 'the worst field I ever saw.' Learning from the 'Sneakers' game of 1934, both teams were prepared with a supply of basketball shoes. The temperature at kickoff in Chicago was 24 °F (−4 °C).
In Their Own Story
The cold New York air bit at the players' faces as they lined up on the frozen turf of the Polo Grounds. With the Giants threatening a comeback in the fourth quarter, the Detroit defense held its ground like an immovable wall. A crucial fumble recovery by Bob Brazelton sealed the fate of the game, sending the small contingent of Lions fans into a frenzy that echoed through the stadium, marking the beginning of a legendary era.
Reader's Guide
The Redskins scored first when Baugh slipped the ball to Battles on a reverse for a 7-yard touchdown. The Bears came back as halfback Jack Manders scored fourteen points: a touchdown run, a touchdown pass reception, and two extra points, giving Chicago a 14–7 halftime lead. In the second half, Baugh threw for 335 yards (18-for-33). In the fourth quarter, the score was tied 21–21, before Baugh threw a 35-yard touchdown strike to Ed Justice for the final 28–21 lead. The crowd of 15,870 was far below the anticipated 40,000 due to inclement weather. Each player on the winning Redskins team received $225, while the Bears received $127 each.
Did You Know?
- The 1937 NFL Championship Game was played at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
- Sammy Baugh, a rookie, led the Redskins to victory with 335 passing yards.
- The attendance was 15,878, far less than the 120,000 that attended the Chicago Prep Bowl weeks earlier.
- Both teams wore basketball shoes to cope with the frozen, jagged field conditions.
- The game is listed as the second of 'Ten Games That Mattered' in the book The First Fifty Years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final result of the 1937 NFL Championship game?
The Detroit Lions defeated the New York Giants with a decisive score of 9 to 0 at the Polo Grounds in New York City. This victory secured the franchise's first-ever league title following their relocation from Portsmouth, Ohio.
Who was the head coach leading this championship team?
George 'Potsy' Clark served as the head coach who guided the squad to this monumental triumph. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the club into a premier contender just three years after moving to Detroit.
Why is this specific game considered so significant for fans?
It marked the moment the Lions transitioned from a struggling expansion team into championship contenders within the NFL. This win cemented their status as a legitimate power against dominant forces of the era like the Giants.
Where did the 1937 title game take place?
The match was held at the Polo Grounds stadium located in New York City. Playing on neutral ground, the Lions managed to secure a shutout victory away from home.
How does this era define the early history of the franchise?
This championship stands as a defining moment that established the club's legacy immediately after arriving in Detroit. It proved the organization could succeed quickly following their move from Portsmouth, Ohio.
More in Club History & Eras
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