The 1942 NFL Championship
Washington shocks the mighty Chicago Bears to grab their first title.
On December 13, 1942, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., the Redskins (now Commanders) snatched their very first NFL Championship from George Halas’s heavily favored Chicago Bears. Sid Luckman quarterbacked the Bears, but the local team pulled off a massive upset against a squad many called invincible that season.
- Key Player
- Sammy Baugh (unofficial MVP; no official award existed in 1942)
Lore & Background
The atmosphere at Griffith Stadium was electric, filled with patriotic fervor as the nation was deeply engaged in World War II. The game itself became a testament to defensive resilience and clutch performance under pressure. Washington's defense, anchored by a determined front line, managed to stifle the Bears' high-powered offense, forcing critical turnovers that shifted the momentum. Sammy Baugh's leadership on both sides of the ball was instrumental, showcasing why he was considered one of the greatest players of his generation.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the frozen turf of Griffith Stadium as the crowd roared in anticipation. Sammy Baugh wiped frost from his helmet, his breath visible in the crisp December air. Across the line stood the Chicago Bears, a wall of green and orange that seemed impossible to breach. As the ball snapped, the noise faded into a singular focus; every tackle, every pass, and every yard mattered more than ever before. When the final whistle blew, the silence was broken by an eruption of joy from the home faithful, sealing a victory that would echo through generations.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the 1942 NFL Championship, held at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., pitting the local Redskins against the dominant Chicago Bears. What happened was a masterclass in defensive football and strategic quarterback play. The Bears controlled much of the early possession, but Washington's defense forced crucial errors. Sammy Baugh orchestrated two touchdowns, including a pivotal run that kept the home team ahead. The game remained tight throughout, with neither side able to pull away completely until the final minutes. It is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in NFL history because the Bears were widely considered unbeatable. Washington's victory not only secured their first championship but also cemented Sammy Baugh's legacy as a legend who could deliver when it mattered most.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time the franchise won an NFL Championship, setting the stage for future dynasties.
- Sammy Baugh's performance was legendary, though no official MVP award existed for the championship game in 1942.
- The Chicago Bears had not lost a home game all season prior to this championship matchup.
- Griffith Stadium hosted three NFL Championship Games in its history (1937, 1942, 1945), with 1942 being the second, not the first.