1943 NFL Championship
A wartime miracle where a borrowed roster shut out the Bears for Washington's fourth title.
The 1943 NFL Championship stands as a defining moment in Washington Commanders history, marking the franchise's fourth title and its only championship victory during World War II. Known affectionately by fans as the "War of '43," this season was unique because the team, then called the Washington Redskins, assembled a roster heavily bolstered by players from other franchises who had been drafted into military service. This unprecedented coalition of talent created one of the most powerful squads in league history.
- Season
- 1943
- Opponent
- Chicago Bears
- Final Score
- Washington 28, Chicago 0
- Head Coach
- Wilbur "Dutch" Clark
- Key Star
- Sammy Baugh
- Location
- Griffith Stadium, Washington D.C.
Lore & Background
The championship game itself was a masterclass in defensive dominance and strategic brilliance. The Bears, despite their depleted roster, were still formidable, but Washington's defense, anchored by the legendary tackle Ray Flaherty and the versatile end Bob Carpenter, completely stifled Chicago's offense. Sammy Baugh orchestrated the attack with precision, leading the team to a 28-0 shutout victory. This game remains one of the few times in NFL history where a championship was won without allowing a single point against an opponent as storied as the Bears.
In Their Own Story
Under the floodlights, Sammy Baugh surveyed the field, his eyes scanning the opposing line where former rivals now stood as teammates. The whistle blew, and for sixty minutes, Washington moved like a single organism. When the final gun sounded, silence fell over the Chicago bench before erupting into cheers from the D.C. faithful; it was a victory not just of skill, but of unity in a time of global crisis.
Reader's Guide
The journey began with a regular season record that showcased the depth of this unique roster, setting the stage for a dominant playoff run. The championship game against the Chicago Bears on December 26, 1943, remains the pinnacle of the era. Washington's defense held the Bears to zero points, a feat rarely achieved in modern football. This victory secured the franchise's fourth NFL Championship, cementing its place among the league's elite during the war years. The legacy of this team is unique because it was composed largely of players who were temporarily assigned due to military service, making it a one-of-a-kind chapter in sports history.
Did You Know?
- The 1943 Washington roster included future Hall of Famers from the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers who were drafted into the military.
- Sammy Baugh was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 1943 season, leading the league in passing yards.
- This championship game is one of only two times a team has shut out the Chicago Bears in an NFL Championship Game.
- The team played their home games at Griffith Stadium, which was also used by the Washington Senators baseball team.