1936 NFL Championship Game
A historic shutout victory where Sammy Baugh led Washington to their first-ever NFL title in a dominant display.
The 1936 NFL Championship Game stands as a monumental milestone in franchise history, marking Washington's first-ever league title under the name 'Redskins.' Played on December 13, 1936, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., this contest pitted the Redskins against the defending champion New York Giants. It was a clash of titans that showcased the team's rapid rise to prominence just two years after their founding.
- Date
- December 13, 1936
- Location
- Griffith Stadium (Washington, D.C.)
- Winner
- Boston Redskins (later Washington)
- Opponent
- New York Giants
- Final Score
- 28–0
- MVP
- Sammy Baugh
- Significance
- First NFL Championship for the franchise
Lore & Background
The atmosphere at Griffith Stadium was electric, with a crowd witnessing a team that had been in existence for less than three years dismantle the defending champions. The shutout victory demonstrated a level of discipline and talent that was rare for an expansion-era team. It set a tone of excellence that would define the franchise's golden eras to come, proving that Washington could compete with and defeat the established powers of the NFL.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the hallowed turf of Griffith Stadium as the crowd roared for their new heroes. Sammy Baugh stood under center, the weight of history on his shoulders yet a calmness in his eyes. With a perfect spiral that seemed to defy gravity, he launched the ball toward the end zone, watching it catch the air before dropping into the waiting arms of his receiver. The stadium erupted, not just for the points, but for the realization that this young team had arrived.
Reader's Guide
The game began with immediate intensity as Washington's defense stifled the Giants' offense from the opening whistle. Sammy Baugh took control early, showcasing his dual-threat capability by rushing for a touchdown and orchestrating two passing scores in the first half alone. By halftime, the score was already lopsided, but the Redskins refused to let up. The second half saw Washington's defense completely dominate, forcing fumbles and holding New York to negative yardage on multiple drives while Baugh added another rushing touchdown. This match remains iconic because it was a perfect storm of talent and timing. A shutout victory against the defending champions by a rookie quarterback is a rare feat that defined a franchise's identity forever.
Did You Know?
- Sammy Baugh became the first player in NFL history to be named MVP of both the regular season and the championship game in his debut year as a starter.
- The 28-0 victory stands as one of the most lopsided championship margins in NFL history, highlighting Washington's complete dominance that day.
- This was only the third season of existence for the franchise, making it one of the fastest rises to a title in league history.