1946 NFL Championship Season of the...

The 1946 NFL season was a pivotal moment in professional football history, marked by the return of players from World War II, the emergence of a rival league, and a dramatic championship game.

Today's guest expert is "Chicago's Sports Historian" Jack Silverstein of readjack.wordpress.com and author of "Why We Root: Mad Obsessions of a Chicago Sports Fan." Find more history from Jack on his social media handle of @readjack and Read Jack Substack

✦ Who won the 1946 NFL Championship?

For the Chicago Bears, it represented a return to dominance, showcasing the resilience of a team bolstered by returning veterans and the enduring leadership of George Halas.

The early 1940s saw the Bears establish themselves as a football powerhouse, with championships in 1940, 1941, and 1943. However, the war years disrupted the league, with many players, including key Bears, leaving to serve in the armed forces. Hall of Famers, who stormed the beaches of Normandy, were among those whose careers were temporarily put on hold. 1946 marked the return of these players, a wave of talent that reshaped the league. George Halas, himself returning from service in the Navy, was back to lead the Bears. Halas, known for his strict coaching style, recognized the unique situation. As he noted in his autobiography, the returning veterans were "fed up with petty regulations" and deserved a more relaxed and respectful environment. He scrapped the old rules, trusting his players to be "responsible men, self-disciplined men."

However, this period of rejuvenation was also fraught with challenges for the NFL. The emergence of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), founded by Chicago Tribune sports editor Arch Ward, posed a threat to the established order. The AAFC attracted players like Norm Stanley and Charlie O'Rourke, and teams like the Cleveland Browns, coached by the legendary Paul Brown, began to compete for fan attention and talent. This competition even led to the Cleveland Rams moving to Los Angeles, as the NFL sought to counter the AAFC's expansion.

It was against this backdrop of post-war realignment and inter-league rivalry that the 1946 NFL Championship game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants took place. Both teams were storied franchises, with long histories and multiple championships. As the provided text notes, entering this game, the Bears and Giants had been mainstays of the NFL since the 1930s, and this game marked their eighth time appearing in the Championship game.

However, the game was overshadowed by a betting scandal. Just before the game, it was revealed that gamblers had approached Giants players Frank Filchock and Merle Hapes, offering them money to fix the outcome. While NFL Commissioner Bert Bell suspended Hapes, Philchock was allowed to play, creating a tense and controversial atmosphere. As Jack Silverstein relays, the game was described by Sid Luckman as the "most vicious game that he ever played." Despite the scandal, both teams were determined to prove their integrity and win.

The Bears ultimately prevailed, showcasing the talent and resilience of their returning veterans and the strategic acumen of George Halas. Players like Dante Mignani, who had a significant impact in both the 1943 and 1946 championship games, exemplified the Bears' depth and ability to perform under pressure.

The 1946 season, therefore, was a turning point for the NFL. It was a season of transition, marked by the return of war veterans, the challenge from a rival league, and a scandal that threatened the integrity of the game. The Chicago Bears' victory in this tumultuous year demonstrated their enduring strength and cemented their place in NFL history. The season also highlighted the challenges and complexities facing the league as it sought to establish itself as a dominant force in American sports.