1934 NFL Championship Game

Lore & Background

The game is legendary for the 'Sneakers Game' — the Giants switched to basketball shoes at halftime to gain traction on the frozen Polo Grounds turf. Led by the defensive resilience of players like Mel Hein and end Ray Flaherty, who suggested the shoe switch, the Giants dismantled the Bears' offensive juggernaut. This victory did more than just win a trophy; it established the Giants as a premier franchise in New York sports history and set the stage for decades of fierce rivalry with Chicago.

In Their Own Story

The air at the Polo Grounds was biting cold, carrying the scent of roasting chestnuts and damp wool from thousands of bundled fans. As the clock ticked down on the fourth quarter, the roar of the crowd seemed to shake the very foundations of the stadium. Red Grange, eyes fixed on the end zone, broke through a line of Bears defenders who had been impenetrable all season. He didn't just run; he flew, dodging tackles with a grace that made the impossible look routine. When he crossed the goal line for the clinching score, the stadium erupted in a chaotic symphony of joy that echoed across Manhattan, cementing a moment where New York finally claimed its football throne.

Reader's Guide

The occasion was the decisive NFL Championship game between the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears at the Polo Grounds. The Bears entered as heavy favorites, having dominated the previous season with their powerful running attack and defensive prowess. What happened was a tactical masterclass by the Giants. They utilized a balanced offense that kept the Bears' defense guessing, while their own line effectively neutralized Chicago's star runners. Red Grange scored two touchdowns, including a crucial 10-yard run in the second quarter and another later to seal the game. It is remembered as the 'Grange Bowl' for his pivotal performance, but also because it marked the first time the Giants won the league title. The victory proved that New York could compete with the established powers of the Midwest, launching a dynasty era for the franchise.

Did You Know?

• The 1933 NFL Championship Game was also played at the Polo Grounds, making this the second championship game at the venue.
• Red Grange played for the Chicago Bears in the 1934 NFL Championship Game, not the New York Giants.
• The Chicago Bears had won the previous year's championship and were considered the favorite by most observers.
• Steve Owen, the Giants' head coach, is credited with devising a game plan that specifically targeted the Bears' defensive weaknesses.
• End Ray Flaherty is credited with suggesting the switch to basketball shoes at halftime, a move that turned the tide of the game.