By Darin The 1938 American football season was a historic year for both the collegiate and professional ranks, highlighted by dominant, undefeated teams, legendary individual performances, and thrilling postseason finishes.
1938 College Football Highlights
The college gridiron was highly competitive, concluding with definitive poll leaders and legendary individual accolades.
- The National Champions: Texas Christian University (TCU) claimed the AP National Championship after finishing the regular season 10–0. They capped off their perfect run with a 15–7 victory over Carnegie Tech in the Sugar Bowl. The Tennessee Volunteers also put forth a legendary campaign, finishing 11–0 and shutting out Oklahoma 17–0 in a highly physical Orange Bowl.
- The Heisman Trophy: TCU’s star quarterback, Davey O’Brien, won the Heisman Trophy. Despite standing at just 5-foot-7, O’Brien led the nation in passing yards and was the driving force behind the Horned Frogs’ championship season.
- The “Iron Dukes” Heartbreak: Wallace Wade’s Duke Blue Devils completed their entire 9-game regular season undefeated, untied, and unscored upon. However, their legendary defensive streak was broken in the final minute of the Rose Bowl when USC scored a late touchdown to win 7–3.
1938 NFL Season & Professional Highlights
The National Football League saw fierce divisional races and culminated in a high-scoring championship matchup.
- The NFL Championship: The New York Giants won the NFL title by defeating the Green Bay Packers 23–17 in a thrilling championship game on December 11, 1938.
- Divisional Winners: The Giants took the Eastern Division with an 8–2–1 record, while the Packers won the Western Division at 8–3–0.
- Statistical Leaders:
- Rushing: Byron “Whizzer” White (Pittsburgh Pirates) led the league with 567 rushing yards.
- Passing: Ace Parker (Brooklyn Dodgers) led the NFL with 865 passing yards.
- Receiving: Legend Don Hutson (Green Bay Packers) led the way with 548 receiving yards.
- Pro Bowl Conception: The 1938 season marked the creation of the very first Pro Bowl concept (played in January 1939), which matched the reigning NFL champion Giants against a team of professional All-Stars.
A Deep Dive into 1938 Football History and Highlights
- January 1, 1938 – The 24th Rose Bowl Game had the Cal Golden Bears upend the Alabama Crimson Tide 13-0.
- October 9, 1938 – The Cleveland Rams and the Chicago Bears played in only one of four NFL games that did not have a penalty called in it.
- November 28, 1938 – The 4th Heisman Trophy was awarded to quarterback Davey O’Brien of Texas Christian University.
- December 9, 1938 – The 1939 NFL Draft took place. Ki Aldrich from TCU was the first pick by the Chicago Cardinals.
- December 11, 1938 – Polo Grounds, New York City – National Football League Championship: 48,120 fans, a record attendance for the Title game, watched the New York Giants defeat the Green Bay Packers, 23-17.