1949 Pro Football History

The 1949 NFL season was a pivotal year in the league's history, marked by intense divisional races and the emergence of dominant teams.

In the Eastern Division, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to an impressive 11-1 record, showcasing a potent combination of offense and defense. They led the division for most of the season, overcoming challenges from teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. Meanwhile, the Western Division saw a tight contest between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears. The Rams ultimately clinched the division title with an 8-2-2 record, though the Bears were close behind at 9-3.

A notable event off the field was the agreement to merge three teams from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) into the NFL for the 1950 season, signaling a major shift in the landscape of professional football.

The season culminated in the NFL Championship Game, where the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Los Angeles Rams. Played in heavy rain at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the game was a defensive battle. The Eagles prevailed with a 14-0 victory, securing their second consecutive NFL championship. The adverse weather conditions significantly impacted the game, limiting both teams' offensive capabilities.

✦ 1949 NFL League Leaders:

✦ Passing: Johnny Lujack of the Chicago Bears led the league with 2,658 passing yards.

✦ Rushing: Steve Van Buren of the Philadelphia Eagles was the top rusher, gaining 1,146 yards. This was a record-setting year for Van Buren, as he won his fourth rushing title and set several career rushing records.

✦ Receiving: Bob Mann of the Detroit Lions led the league's receivers with 1,014 receiving yards.

✦ 1949 Divisional Races and Regular Season Events

✦ Eastern Division: The Philadelphia Eagles dominated with an 11-1 record, demonstrating strength on both sides of the ball. They maintained their lead throughout the season, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants providing some competition.

✦ Western Division: The Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears had a close race. The Rams finished with an 8-2-2 record, while the Bears were close behind at 9-3.

✦ AAFC Merger: A significant event that occurred during the season was the agreement to merge three teams from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) into the NFL for the 1950 season. This merger would have a major impact on the structure of professional football in the years to come.