By Darin Introduction
Above is the perfect image for December 28 pro football history. The date not only had this famous NFL title game being played, but also shows December 28 Birthday boys number 15 Steve Van Buren and Number 70 Al Wistert.
On December 28, 1947, football history was forged in the crisp winter air of Chicago’s Comiskey Park. The stage was set for a monumental clash: the Chicago Cardinals, powered by their legendary “Dream Backfield,” faced off against the surging Philadelphia Eagles for the title of NFL Champion. Before a dedicated crowd of 30,759, this game delivered one of the most exciting contests of the postwar era, a high-stakes duel that came down to the final whistle.
Chicago football historian and author Joe Ziemba graced us with a visti back in 2025 to chat about the 1947 NFL Championship game in the following video:
The Cardinals entered the championship driven to reclaim glory, having assembled an offensive juggernaut featuring Hall of Fame talent like Charley Trippi and Paul Christman. Their opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, under coach Greasy Neale, brought a fierce defense and a desire to capture their first championship.
What followed was a showcase of offensive prowess. The Cardinals’ potent ground game, which had dominated the regular season, was matched by the Eagles’ determination. Both teams traded blows, resulting in a thrilling, high-scoring affair that had fans on the edge of their seats despite the cold.
Ultimately, the firepower of the “Dream Backfield” proved to be the decisive factor. The Chicago Cardinals secured a memorable 28–21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, marking the franchise’s first NFL Championship title in 23 years. The final score cemented the 1947 Cardinals as one of the league’s most historically potent teams. This victory not only brought a title to Chicago but also kicked off a brief, dominant era for the franchise before the league fully expanded in the 1950s.
Conclusion
The 1947 NFL Championship remains a historic landmark, representing a spectacular end to a season and a definitive high point for the Chicago Cardinals franchise. The 28–21 victory at Comiskey Park is forever etched in football history, confirming the Cardinals as champions of a thrilling, foundational era of the National Football League.
