From "Carpets" to...

The 1947 NFL season is a story of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the sweet taste of victory. It's a tale that features a team rising from the depths of despair to claim the ultimate prize: the NFL Championship. This is the story of the Chicago Cardinals' remarkable 1947 season, culminating in a historic championship win against the Philadelphia Eagles.

✦ Who won the 1947 NFL Championship?

A City of Champions... and Underdogs
The city of Chicago is no stranger to football glory, but in 1947, the spotlight shone on a team that had long been in the shadows. While the Chicago Bears had been a dominant force in the 1940s, the Cardinals were a team that had endured hardship and struggled for respect.

✦ From Rock Bottom to the "Dream Backfield"

Just a few years prior to their championship season, the Cardinals were the laughingstock of the NFL. In the early 1940s, the team was so bad that the Chicago Tribune famously dubbed them the "Carpets" because other teams walked all over them. They even merged with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a period, becoming the "Card-Pitts," a team that went 0-10. They suffered a 29-game losing streak, which remains an NFL record.

However, owner Charles Bidwell stuck with the team, and things began to turn around as World War II ended and players returned from military service. Key to the Cardinals' resurgence was the emergence of a potent offensive force, the "Dream Backfield." This consisted of four All-American players:

✦ Charlie Trippi: The highly touted halfback from the University of Georgia, signed for a then-astronomical $100,000 over four years.

✦ Pat Harder: A star from Wisconsin.

✦ Marshall Goldberg: A standout from Pittsburgh.

✦ Paul Christman: From Missouri

In 1947, this "Dream Backfield" ignited the Cardinals' offense and propelled them to new heights.

The 1947 Season: Triumph and Tragedy
The 1947 season was not without its challenges. The Cardinals lost their owner, Charles Bidwell. Additionally, tragedy struck when their punter, Jeff Burkett, was lost in a plane crash.

Despite these losses, the Cardinals persevered. They finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, winning the Western Division title. Key victories, including a crucial win against their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Bears, set the stage for a championship showdown.

✦ The 1947 NFL Championship Game: Cardinals vs. Eagles

The 1947 NFL Championship Game pitted the Cardinals against the Philadelphia Eagles, who had an 8-4 record and had to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to qualify. The game was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago on a frigid December day. The field was frozen, and the Cardinals made a strategic decision to wear gym shoes for better traction.

The game was a hard-fought battle. The Cardinals' powerful running game, led by Elmer Angsman and Charlie Trippi, clashed with the Eagles' passing attack, led by quarterback Tommy Thompson.

Elmer Angsman had a record-setting day, rushing for 159 yards on just ten carries, including two long touchdown runs of 70 yards each. Charlie Trippi also had a spectacular game, with a long touchdown run and a 75-yard punt return touchdown.

Tommy Thompson of the Eagles set a championship game record with 27 completions for 297 passing yards. However, the Cardinals' ground game and timely defense proved to be the difference.

The Cardinals won the game 28-21, securing their first NFL Championship since 1925.

✦ A Lasting Legacy

The 1947 NFL Championship remains a significant moment in NFL history. It marked a high point for the Chicago Cardinals franchise, a team that had endured years of struggle and futility. The victory brought joy to the city of Chicago and provided a memorable chapter in the annals of American football.

The 1947 Chicago Cardinals' championship is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of teamwork, and the thrill of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness. The team's journey from "Carpets" to champions continues to inspire football fans today.

✦ Podcast Epsiode

In this episode, we engage with the rich tapestry of history that characterizes the 1947 NFL Championship Game, offering insights into the personalities and events that shaped this pivotal moment in football lore. The discussion features in-depth analyses of key players, including the legendary Charlie Trippi and his fellow teammates, whose contributions were instrumental in securing the Cardinals' first championship title. The episode also reflects on the emotional weight of the game, as both teams navigated the pressures of expectation and the legacy of their respective franchises. Through vivid storytelling and expert commentary, listeners are invited to appreciate not only the athletic prowess displayed on the field but also the enduring spirit of competition that defines the NFL's storied history.