By Darin What do the 1929 Green Bay Packers upset, the Detroit Lions’ first NFL Championship victory, and two iconic Heisman Trophy announcements have in common? They all happened on December 15. Dive into the rich tapestry of NFL history as we travel through the decades to recount the most pivotal moments that shaped American football on this single date. From game-throwing scandals at the Polo Grounds to Pro Football Hall of Fame birthdays, this day has delivered unforgettable drama, retiring the Joe Montana jersey and crowning new college football kings. Get ready to explore the ultimate December 15th football retrospective.
December 15 Football History Timeline
- December 15, 1929 – Memphis, Tennessee – The National Football League Champion Green Bay Packers, boasting a perfect 12-0-1 record, played an exhibition game against the Memphis Tigers. PackersHistory.net reports that the Tigers, an independent team owned by Clarence Saunders—who later founded Piggly Wiggly—pulled off a 20-6 upset over the champs with scoring from Austin Applewhite, Bucky Moore, and Tiny Drouilhet. At the time, the NFL champion was simply the team with the best record, as there were no playoffs. Without game revenue, the Green Bay Press-Gazette raised over $5,000 for the players, each receiving $220 and a watch. This may help explain why the Packers, with little to gain but something to earn, risked their reputation on a barnstorming tour: the players were trying to make a living.
December 15 Championships
- On December 15, 1935, at University of Detroit Stadium, the National Football League Championship game pitted the New York Giants against the Lions of Detroit. This was the third time that the League had a final game pitting the top two teams from each division to determine the title. The Lions jumped out to an early two-touchdown lead and never looked back as their defense frustrated the G-Men most of the game, according to the American Football Database. Four different Detroit Lions ran the ball across the goal line as the Football Men of the Motor City beat the New York Giants, 26-7, to win the Lions’ first championship title.
- On December 15, 1946, at the Polo Grounds in New York City, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants 24-14 in the National Football League Championship before a record crowd of 58,346. Just before kick-off, an interesting bit of news emerged: someone from the underworld allegedly offered a bribe to two Giants players to throw the game. NFL Commissioner Bert Bell investigated Giants All-Star halfback Frank Filchock and Merle Hapes. Bell allowed Filchock to play, but he suspended Hapes because Hapes failed to report the bribe attempt.
More Dec 15 Gridiron events
- Jumping ahead to December 15, 1982, the New York Giants hired Bill Parcells as their new coach. Parcells was the 12th person in franchise history to serve in that role.
- On December 15, 1997, the San Francisco 49ers franchise retired Joe Montana‘s #16 jersey, ensuring it would never be worn again.
- On December 15, 2002, Southern Cal Quarterback Carson Palmer won the Heisman Trophy Award. According to Heisman.com, Palmer threw for 3,639 yards and 32 touchdowns as the Trojans finished 10-2 and earned a trip to the Orange Bowl. He blossomed into an elite passer under the instruction of coordinator Norm Chow.
- On December 15, 2008, the 74th Heisman Trophy was awarded to Sam Bradford, the quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners. According to Heisman.com, Sam’s combined 53 touchdowns from the run and the pass are tied with Oregon’s Marcus Mariota for most in Heisman history. Sam Bradford and his Sooners teammates were the highest-scoring offense ever in NCAA history. Passing for 4,464 yards with 48 touchdowns and just six interceptions was a monumental feat as Bradford again led the nation in passing and added five rushing touchdowns as the Sooners went 12-1 and qualified for the BCS national title game.
- More recently, on December 15, 2019, in Oakland, California, the Raiders played their final NFL home game in Oakland before moving to Las Vegas. The Jon Gruden-led Raiders gave up 17 unanswered second-half points to fall at the hands of the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-16.16.
December 15 Football Hall of Fame Birthday
Conclusion
The recurring drama on December 15 proves it is one of the most action-packed dates in NFL history. From a champion’s surprising loss in 1929 to the triumphs of a Detroit Championship team, a major betting scandal, and the crowning of two Heisman Trophy winners, this single day is a microcosm of the sport’s evolution. It’s a day to celebrate milestones, retire legends like Joe Montana, and remember Pro Football Hall of Fame greats like Billy Shaw and Nick Buoniconti. The past is never truly over in football—it just waits for the next December 15 to remind us of its legacy.
