1960 NFL Championship Game

The 1960 National Football League season was a pivotal year, showcasing a changing guard in the league's landscape and culminating in an unexpected championship victory for the Philadelphia Eagles. For years, the NFL Championship conversation had been dominated by the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants, but 1960 broke that streak, introducing new contenders and signaling future dynasties.

The Philadelphia Eagles, after years of struggles following the retirement of legendary running back Steve Van Buren, found their stride under head coach Buck Shaw. Shaw's significant move was bringing in quarterback Norm Van Brocklin from the Los Angeles Rams. Van Brocklin, a veteran signal-caller, had famously retired from the Rams because he didn't want to play under Sid Gillman's system. However, Shaw offered him the "keys" to the Eagles' offense, making him the de facto "coach on the field," a role that perfectly suited "The Dutchman." This leadership, combined with key players like Chuck Bednarik, Tommy McDonald, Timmy Brown, and Pete Retzlaff, propelled the Eagles to a stellar 10-2 record, the best in the NFL, securing the Eastern Conference title. The Eagles entered the championship game ranked third in offense (points scored) and seventh in defense (points allowed).

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Green Bay Packers, under second-year coach Vince Lombardi, were rapidly ascending. Lombardi, known then primarily as an assistant with the New York Giants, was brought in to turn the Packers around. In 1960, they finished with an 8-4 record, clinching the Western Conference championship. The Packers boasted the league's second-best offense and second-best defense. Their roster was beginning to fill with future Hall of Famers, including quarterback Bart Starr (who Lombardi had faith in despite his unproven status), formidable halfback Jim Taylor (the league's workhorse with 1,101 rushing yards), Paul Hornung, Max McGee, Willie Davis, Jim Ringo, Henry Jordan, Willie Wood, Bob Gregg, and Ray Nitschke – names that would soon define an era of unparalleled dominance.

The 1960 NFL Championship game took place on Monday, December 26, at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, moved from its usual Sunday slot to avoid Christmas Day. Despite the Monday workday, a remarkable 67,325 fans packed the stadium, thanks to 7,000 extra seats added around the track. However, the game was blacked out locally, forcing Philadelphia fans to travel to New Jersey or New York to watch it on television.

The game started precariously for the Eagles, with an early interception on their first offensive play. Despite fumbling twice in the first quarter, the Eagles' defense, notably spearheaded by Chuck Bednarik and Chuck Weber, held strong, preventing the Packers from scoring a touchdown on their early opportunities. The Packers settled for two field goals from Paul Hornung, taking a 6-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Eagles responded with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Norm Van Brocklin to Tommy McDonald, famously depicted with McDonald sliding on the ice and snow in the end zone, giving Philadelphia a 7-6 lead. A Bobby Walston field goal extended the lead to 10-6 by halftime.

The third quarter was scoreless. In the fourth quarter, the Packers took a 13-10 lead with a Bart Starr touchdown pass to Max McGee. However, the Eagles quickly regained the lead with a 5-yard touchdown run by Ted Dean after an excellent kickoff return. The game came down to the final minute. With 1 minute and 5 seconds left, the Packers drove to the Eagles' 22-yard line. Bart Starr hit Jim Taylor with a short pass, but Chuck Bednarik tackled Taylor at the 14-yard line and famously sat on him as the clock ran out, securing a 17-13 Eagles victory. This remains Vince Lombardi's only career playoff loss.

Norm Van Brocklin was named the game's MVP and retired immediately after the victory, swiftly transitioning to become the head coach of the expansion Minnesota Vikings the following year. The 1960 Championship was a significant moment for the Eagles, ending a long drought since their 1949 title. It would also mark the beginning of an incredibly long championship drought for the Eagles, who wouldn't win another NFL title for 58 years, until the 2017 season (January 2018). The game also featured several players who would go on to coaching careers or other notable endeavors, cementing its place as a historical benchmark in NFL history.