1942 NFL Championship Game
The Redskins topple the Bears' dynasty to claim Washington's first NFL Championship in a gritty 1942 classic.
The 1942 NFL Championship Game stands as a defining moment in Washington football history, marking the franchise's first-ever league title. Played on December 13, 1942, at Griffith Stadium, the Washington Redskins faced off against the Chicago Bears, the defending champions and one of the most dominant teams of the era. This victory was not just a trophy win; it was a statement that the capital city could compete with the giants of the Midwest during a time when the nation was deeply entrenched in World War II.
- Date
- December 13, 1942
- Location
- Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C.
- Winner
- Washington Redskins (now Commanders)
- Opponent
- Chicago Bears
- Final Score
- Washington 14, Chicago 6
- MVP Performance
- Sammy Baugh (Quarterback/Halfback)
Lore & Background
The game is legendary for the leadership of Sammy Baugh, who orchestrated the offense with precision and poise. Baugh, along with running back Andy Farkas and the defensive unit, held off a Bears team that had dominated the NFL in previous years. The win cemented the Redskins' place as a legitimate contender in the league's hierarchy and remains a cherished memory for fans who remember the era of leather helmets and muddy fields at Griffith Stadium.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Griffith Stadium was biting cold, smelling faintly of wet wool and gasoline fumes from the surrounding city. Inside the tunnel, Sammy Baugh adjusted his helmet, the silence broken only by the heavy thud of cleats on concrete. He knew the Bears were giants, a machine that had chewed up teams for years.
Reader's Guide
The game began with Washington taking an early lead, capitalizing on Chicago's slow start. The Bears, known for their powerful running game and defensive might, struggled to find rhythm against the Redskins' disciplined defense. Sammy Baugh was instrumental, directing the offense with surgical precision and contributing significantly on both sides of the ball. A pivotal moment occurred when Washington forced a turnover in the second half, shifting momentum firmly in their favor. The Redskins' defense held strong, limiting the Bears to just six points throughout the contest. Key plays by Andy Farkas and the offensive line kept the drive alive, ensuring the lead never wavered. This match remains etched in fan memory because it was an upset against a dynasty. Beating the Chicago Bears when they were at their peak required perfect execution and immense heart. It validated Washington as a championship-caliber team and provided a beacon of hope during a dark period in history.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time the franchise won an NFL Championship, establishing a legacy that would see them return to the title game multiple times in subsequent decades.
- Sammy Baugh's performance earned him All-Pro honors and solidified his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation.
- The game took place during World War II, with many players on both teams having served or being eligible for military draft service.
- Griffith Stadium, where this historic game was played, is now a parking lot, making the 1942 championship one of the last major titles won at that iconic venue.