By Darin The 1955 NFL Championship was more than just a game; it was the capstone of a dynasty and a definitive statement from one of the greatest teams of the post-war era. On a late December afternoon, the Cleveland Browns, led by the legendary Otto Graham, sought to cement their status against the formidable Los Angeles Rams in a high-stakes rematch. This game, played on December 26, 1955, remains a classic example of championship-level football execution.
During our 2025 series on the pre-Super Bowl NFL Championship games, we had guest Author Robert Cohen, who has written many books, including “The 50 Greatest Players in Cleveland Browns History,” join us. Check it out:
The Setting
The stage for this historic clash was the massive Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, drawing an incredible crowd of 85,693 eager fans. The expectation was a tight, back-and-forth contest, especially considering the offensive firepower on both sides.
However, the game quickly turned into a masterclass performance by the Cleveland Browns. Despite being the road team, Cleveland’s offense, known for its efficiency and power running, consistently found the end zone. The final score reflected the Browns’ dominance: Cleveland Browns (3) defeated the Los Angeles Rams with a decisive score of 38–14.
Rams Ron Waller runs against Cleveland Brown’s defense in 1955 NFL Title game
Article from Dec 27, 1955 The Morning Union (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Meaning to NFL History
This victory was particularly meaningful for Cleveland’s quarterback, Otto Graham, who was playing in his final professional football game. Graham was instrumental in orchestrating the offensive attack, which piled up points against the Rams’ defense. The Browns effectively controlled the line of scrimmage, utilizing their strong running game and deep passing threats to build an insurmountable lead.
The loss for the Los Angeles Rams was tough, but the sheer skill and motivation of the Browns, determined to send Graham out on a high note, proved overwhelming. This title game marked the third time in six years that the Browns had claimed the NFL Championship, solidifying their status as the league’s powerhouse throughout the 1950s.
Conclusion:
The 1955 NFL Championship remains a testament to the Cleveland Browns’ era of dominance. It was a spectacular farewell for Otto Graham and a clear display of championship football in front of a record-setting crowd, etching itself into the fabric of NFL history as a blowout victory that defined a dynasty.
