By Darin The landscape of American football was deeply affected by World War II, but the 1943 NFL season delivered a thrilling final showdown. On December 26, 1943, football fans gathered at the iconic Wrigley Field for the NFL Championship Game. This rematch pitted the powerful Chicago Bears against the Washington Redskins, a contest that had historically favored the Bears and would again underscore Chicago’s early dominance in the league.
In our 2025 salute to the pre-Super Bowl era NFL Title games, we were joined by “Chicago’s Sports Historian” Jack Silverstein of readjack.wordpress.com and author of “Why We Root: Mad Obsessions of a Chicago Sports Fan.”
The attendance of 34,320 fans signaled the enduring popularity of the game, even during wartime challenges which required many teams to merge or use unconventional rosters. The Bears, utilizing their famous T-formation, were relentless from the start.
The final score tells the story of a commanding performance: Chicago Bears (41) vs. Washington Redskins (21). The Bears’ offense, led by a trio of quarterbacks including rookie sensation Sid Luckman, executed flawlessly, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in both running and passing the ball. Key scoring drives established an early lead that the Redskins, despite a respectable output of 21 points, could never truly threaten.
Redskin’s Wilbur Moore runs agains tthe Chicago Bears defense in the 1943 NFL Title game
Article from Dec 27, 1943 The Minneapolis Star (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
This victory was significant as it marked the third consecutive NFL Championship Game appearance for both franchises, making their rivalry a foundational chapter in league history. For Chicago, the win secured their sixth NFL title, further cementing their reputation as the decade’s premier dynasty. The game showcased the talent and tenacity required to maintain excellence even as the country faced global conflict, providing a much-needed distraction and sense of normalcy for fans across the nation.
In the end, the 1943 Championship was less a nail-biter and more a declaration: the Chicago Bears, fueled by a deep and balanced roster, were simply superior. The decisive 41–21 score remains a testament to the offensive firepower and strategic mastery of George Halas’s team.
Thanks to Jack Silverstein and Pro-Football-Reference.com
