1934 NFL Championship Game
The Sneakers Game: Giants stun undefeated Bears with 27-point fourth quarter.
The 1934 NFL Championship Playoff, popularly remembered as "The Sneakers Game", was the second scheduled National Football League (NFL) championship game. Played at the Polo Grounds in New York City on December 9, it was the first title game for the newly created Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy. With a remarkable fourth quarter, the New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears 30–13, winning their second championship in team history and denying the Bears a three-peat.
Quick Facts
- Key player
- Mel Hein
- Significance
- Second NFL Championship for the Giants
Lore & Background
The defending champion Bears entered the game undefeated at 13–0, with an 18-game winning streak. The Giants (8–5) won consecutive division titles, but had lost their final regular season game at Philadelphia. The Bears were favored to repeat as champions. A freezing rain the night before the game froze the Polo Grounds field. After Giants end Ray Flaherty remarked to head coach Steve Owen that sneakers would provide better footing on the frozen playing surface, Owen sent his friend Abe Cohen, a tailor who assisted on the Giants sideline, to Manhattan College to get some sneakers. The Bears led 10–3 at the half when the Giants switched to the basketball sneakers. A Chicago field goal was the only score in the third quarter, extending the lead to ten points. Early in the fourth, Giants quarterback Ed Danowski threw a touchdown pass to Ike Frankian to close the score to 13–10. (The pass was momentarily intercepted at the Bears' 2-yard line, but Frankian was there to snatch the ball out of the defender's hands.) On the next New York drive, running back Ken Strong scored on a 42-yard touchdown run. Later Strong had another touchdown run. The Giants scored for a final time on Danowski's 9-yard run, a fourth unanswered touchdown. New York scored 27 points in the 4th quarter and won 30–13. The Giants 27 fourth quarter points in a championship game set an NFL record that still stands today.
Reader's Guide
Officials: Referee: Bobby Cahn; Umpire: George Lowe; Head linesman: George Vergara; Field judge: M.J. Meyer. The NFL had only four game officials in ; the back judge was added in , the line judge in , and the side judge in . Players' shares: The projected attendance of 55,000 was not reached, as the week's weather kept it under 36,000. Each player on the winning Giants team received $621 (equivalent to $ in ), while the Bears received $414 (equivalent to $ in ) each.
Did You Know?
- Many of the participants have been interviewed since the game took place, most notably Bronko Nagurski of the Bears and Mel Hein of the Giants.
- As Nagurski put it later, "We immediately said something was wrong because they suddenly had good footing and we didn't...they just out-smarted us."
- A mini-documentary of the game, narrated by Pat Summerall, can be seen in the 1987 video "Giants Among Men."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in the 1934 NFL Championship Game?
The New York Giants faced the Chicago Bears at the Polo Grounds on December 8, 1934. This matchup featured two of the league's premier teams during that era.
Why is this game considered a milestone for the franchise?
It secured the franchise's inaugural NFL ring, setting a high standard for future seasons. The victory proved New York could overcome the dominant Chicago squad led by George Halas.
What was the final score between the Giants and Bears?
The Giants defeated the Bears with a decisive final score of 30 to 13. This high-scoring affair showcased the offensive capabilities of both squads on that winter afternoon.
Who were the key leaders during this title game?
Head coach Steve Owen orchestrated the strategy while legendary halfback Red Grange emerged as a crucial playmaker for New York. Their combined efforts helped secure a major upset against the visiting Chicago team.
Where did the Giants win their first championship in 1934?
The historic contest took place at the Polo Grounds in Manhattan, New York City. This iconic stadium hosted the decisive battle between the two rivals.
More in Iconic Games & Moments
Elsewhere in New York Giants
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced