1957 NFL Title
The Lions' last title: a 59–14 rout of the Browns in 1957.
The 1957 NFL Championship Game was the 25th annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), held on December 29 at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit Lions (8–4) hosted the Cleveland Browns (9–2–1). The Lions won 59–14.
Quick Facts
- Head coach
- George Wilson
Lore & Background
The Lions had lost quarterback Bobby Layne to a broken right ankle in the regular season meeting five and a half weeks earlier. Reserve quarterback Tobin Rote filled in and led the Lions to victory in that game and the championship. It was the fourth pairing of the two teams in the championship game, having met previously in 1952, 1953, and 1954. The Browns were favored by three points, but the Lions won in a rout.
Reader's Guide
The game featured five touchdowns from Tobin Rote (one rushing, four passing). Jim Martin kicked all eight extra points and a field goal. The Lions scored two touchdowns in each quarter. The Browns' touchdowns came from Jim Brown (29-yard run) and Lew Carpenter (5-yard run).
Did You Know?
- This was the last NFL playoff game played in the city of Detroit until the Lions hosted a playoff game at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1994 (though that was outside the city limits). Super Bowl XL is not a playoff game.
- The Lions have not appeared in an NFL championship game (including the Super Bowl) since this title, starting a sixty-seven year championship drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the Detroit Lions to their 1957 NFL Championship?
The team was guided by head coach Buddy Parker and legendary quarterback Bobby Layne, who orchestrated a dominant offensive performance throughout the season.
How did the 1957 championship game conclude?
In a decisive victory at Tiger Stadium, the Lions defeated the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 59-14 to claim the title.
What was the team's trajectory during the 1957 regular season?
Despite facing early-season struggles, the squad rallied to dominate the final stretch of the schedule before entering the postseason as a formidable force.
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