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Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL, December 17, 1933 – While we get ready for what has become the biggest sporting event in America, Super Bowl 50, it was 83 years ago when the first title game of the NFL took place. It wasn’t a football-only venue like it is today, but one of the most historic baseball parks of all-time – Wrigley Field.
The NFL was founded in 1920 and, up until 1933, championships were awarded to teams with the highest winning percentage. Then, under the leadership of Boston Redskins owner George Preston Marshall, it was divided into two divisions and declared that the winner of each division would meet in a title game for the championship.
The first two teams in this title game were the New York Giants (11-3) and the Chicago Bears (10-2-1). The Bears had home field advantage and the game took place at Wrigley Field. In this very rare photo we see Carl Brumbaugh of the Bears running the ball with Hall-of-Famer Ken Strong attempting to tackle him. The Bears defeated the Giants 23-21 behind legend Bronko Nagursk’s rushing (64 yards) and passing (two touchdown tosses).
The game also had some unusual quirks compared to today’s game. For example FIVE Bears passed the ball. Also, while the 23-21 score wouldn’t raise any eyebrows today, back then it was considered an unusual high score. The Associated Press described it as “probably the most spectacular game of the year,” and “a brilliant display of offensive power.” Also, the game was not a sellout, with a crowd of only 25,000 on hand.
