1944 NFL Season

Against a backdrop of a nation in flux, the 1944 NFL season delivered electrifying gridiron action. Unyielding spirit and raw athleticism defined this era, captivating fans and etching an enduring chapter in football's legacy.

The Green Bay Packers and gridiron warriors like Angelo Bertelli and Frank Sinkwich headlined ProFootball:1944. Their tenacity mirrored the era's challenges, as skill and determination shaped unforgettable moments, proving that the game's heart pulsed strong.

This season's narrative, played out on fields across America, speaks of football's power to unite and inspire. The 1944 NFL season is a testament to the enduring allure of the sport, a time when legends were made and legacies were cemented.The 1944 NFL season, the league's 25th, was played against the backdrop of World War II, significantly impacting team rosters and the league's landscape.

✦ League Overview

The 1944 season featured ten teams, each playing a ten-game regular season, totaling 50 contests. Several franchise adjustments marked this year:

The Boston Yanks joined the NFL as an expansion team.

The struggling Brooklyn Dodgers rebranded as the Brooklyn Tigers for their final season before merging with Boston in 1945.

The Cleveland Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles resumed full operations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their wartime merger this season with the Chicago Cardinals, becoming Card-Pitt. This combined team played some home games in Pittsburgh and others in Chicago.

The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia. The Boston Yanks selected quarterback Angelo Bertelli from the University of Notre Dame with the first pick.

✦ Rules Changes

Several rule changes were implemented for the 1944 season, including modifications to free substitution rules and allowing communication between players and coaches on the field under certain conditions. There were also several coaching and stadium changes across the league.

A notable and somewhat dubious distinction of the 1944 season was that it featured two winless teams: the Brooklyn Tigers and Card-Pitt, both finishing with a 0-10 record. This was the first time since 1926 that the NFL had two winless teams in a single season.

✦ Division Races and Standings

The season was contested over 13 weeks. The Brooklyn Tigers struggled, losing many games by close margins. Card-Pitt also faced difficulties, being eliminated from playoff contention by Week Seven.

In the Western Division, the Green Bay Packers dominated. The Packers won their first six games, securing a comfortable lead.

The Eastern Division race was more competitive. After nine weeks, Washington and Philadelphia were undefeated. However, Philadelphia defeated Washington in Week Ten. The New York Giants ultimately won the Eastern Division with an 8-1-1 record, earning the right to host the championship game.

✦ Green Bay Packers Championship

The Green Bay Packers, coached by Curly Lambeau, finished the regular season with an 8-2 record, winning the Western Division. Key players for the Packers included running back Ted Fritsch, end Don Hutson, and quarterback Irv Comp. Hutson led the NFL in receiving yards.

The Packers faced the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game on December 17, 1944, at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Despite the Giants having defeated the Packers 24-0 just weeks earlier, the Packers were favored.

The Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants 14-7 in the Championship Game. Ted Fritsch scored both touchdowns for the Packers in the second quarter. The Giants scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. This victory marked the Packers' sixth league title and their first since 1939.

✦ League Leaders

Here are the league leaders in key statistical categories for the 1944 NFL season:

✦ Passing Yards: Irv Comp, Green Bay (1159)

✦ Rushing Yards: Bill Paschal, New York (737)

✦ Receiving Yards: Don Hutson, Green Bay (866)

✦ Most Valuable Player: Frank Sinkwich, Halfback, Detroit