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1963 NFL Championship Game
1963 NFL Championship Game
1963 NFL Championship Game
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1963 NFL Championship Game
DateDecember 29, 1963
StadiumWrigley Field
Chicago, Illinois
MVPLarry Morris (Linebacker; Chicago)
RefereeNorm Schachter
Attendance45,801
TV in the United States
NetworkNBC
AnnouncersJack Brickhouse
Chris Schenkel
George Connor
Radio in the United States
NetworkNBC
AnnouncersJim Gibbons
Pat Summerall
Wrigley Field is located in the United States
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field
class=notpageimage|
Location in the United States
Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois (photographed in 2022), the site of the 1963 NFL Championship Game

The 1963 NFL Championship Game was the 31st annual championship game, played on December 29 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.[1][2] The game pitted the visiting New York Giants (11–3) of the Eastern Conference against the Chicago Bears (11–1–2) of the Western Conference.[3][4][5][6]

Originally, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle had asked Bears owner/coach George Halas to move the game to Soldier Field due to its higher seating capacity and lights, and the possibility the game could extend into multiple overtime periods; Wrigley Field did not have lights until 1988.[7]

After Halas declined the request, Rozelle moved the game's starting time up to 12:05 p.m. CST for increased daylight,[8] similar to the situation in 1960 at Franklin Field. The Championship Game was played in temperatures under 10 °F (−12 °C).[3][9]

The Giants were in their third consecutive championship game and fifth in the last six seasons. They lost to the Baltimore Colts in 1958 and 1959, and the Green Bay Packers in 1961 and 1962. The Bears were in their first Championship Game since a loss to the Giants in 1956 at Yankee Stadium, and had last won in 1946, defeating the Giants at the Polo Grounds.

This was the fifth and final NFL Championship Game at Wrigley Field, which hosted the first in 1933, as well as 1937, 1941, and 1943. The Bears won four, with the only loss in 1937.

Tickets were $12.50, $10, and $6.[10][11] NBC paid the league $926,000 for the broadcast rights.[12][13][14]

Background

[edit]

The Giants, coached by Allie Sherman, were known for their powerful offense, which scored 448 points in 14 games. They were led by quarterback Y. A. Tittle who threw 36 touchdown passes during the season, then an NFL record. Other contributing players on offense were Pro Bowlers Del Shofner and Frank Gifford. Wide receiver Shofner caught 64 passes for 1,181 yards and 9 touchdowns. Flanker Gifford had 42 receptions for 657 yards and 7 touchdowns. Formerly a star halfback, he had switched to the flanker position in 1962, having sat out the 1961 season following a devastating hit by linebacker Chuck Bednarik in November 1960. The Giants also used a plethora of players at running back, with the main two being Phil King and Joe Morrison. Although neither one had significant individual statistics, they combined for 1,181 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Giants defense allowed 280 points, ranking fifth overall in the 14-team NFL. This group was led by future Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff. Other contributing players on defense were defensive linemen, Jim Katcavage, and John LoVetere; linebacker Tom Scott; and defensive backs Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch.

Meanwhile, the Bears were known for their defense, nicknamed the Monsters of the Midway. Led by defensive coordinator George Allen, this unit yielded 144 points in 14 games. The defensive line consisted of Ed O'Bradovich, Fred Williams, Stan Jones, and future hall of famer Doug Atkins. The linebacking corps was led by Joe Fortunato, Bill George, and Larry Morris, while the defensive backs were led by Richie Petitbon and Rosey Taylor. Accomplishments by the Bears defense during the regular season included making 36 pass interceptions, surrendering only 1 touchdown in two games versus the Green Bay Packers, and not allowing any passing touchdowns in its two games against quarterback Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. Writers in New York were especially fearful of the trio at linebacker, stating that Tittle had yet to see a group like them all year.[15]

Chicago's offense did not come close to the Giants' in terms of points scored or yards gained. The group only scored 301 points, ranking 10th out of the league's then-14 teams. The offense was led by quarterback Bill Wade, the first overall pick of the 1952 NFL draft. Wade ran a simplified game plan, nicknamed "three yards and a cloud of dust," in which they would play it safe by running the ball or tossing short passes to the ends or backs instead of risking giving up an interception. Wade threw almost as many passes as Tittle in 1963 - 356 vs. 367 - but Y.A. favored longer throws, as evidenced by 8.6 yards-per-attempt vs. Wade's 6.5. Wade's favorite targets were tight end Mike Ditka and wide receiver, Johnny Morris.

The Giants entered the title game as slight favorites.[12][16]

Game summary

[edit]
Championship ring from the Bears' victory

The Giants opened the scoring in the first quarter when Tittle led New York on a 41-yard drive capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Frank Gifford. The drive was set up by Billy Wade's fumble on the Bears' 41-yard line, which was recovered by former Bear Erich Barnes.[17] Later in the first period, Larry Morris hit Tittle's left knee with his helmet as the quarterback threw. The injured Tittle was much less effective for the rest of the game.[18] After Del Shofner failed to hang onto a Tittle pass in the end zone, Morris intercepted Tittle's screen pass and returned the ball 61 yards to the Giants' 6-yard line. Two plays later, Wade scored a touchdown on a two-yard quarterback sneak to tie the game at 7.

In the second quarter, the Giants retook the lead, 10–7, on a 13-yard field goal. But on New York's next drive, Tittle reinjured his left knee on another hit by Morris. With Tittle out for two possessions, the Giants struggled, only able to advance 2 yards in 7 plays. Allie Sherman even punted on third down, showing no confidence in backup Glynn Griffing. The score remained 10–7 at halftime.

Tittle came back in the third period, but needed cortisone, Novocaine, and heavy taping and bandaging to continue. For the rest of the game, he was forced to throw off his back foot (poor mechanics for a quarterback). An interception on another screen pass by the Bears' Ed O'Bradovich was brought deep into Giant territory, setting up Wade's 1-yard touchdown to give Chicago a 14–10 lead. The score held up, and the Bears iced the game on Richie Petitbon's interception in the end zone with 10 seconds left. It was Tittle's 5th interception. Defensive coordinator George Allen was given the game ball due to his defense's spectacular play. Tittle was held to only 11 completions in 29 attempts, and the Bears' superior scouting and preparation were evidenced by their success defending against the Giants' screen passes.

Although the young American Football League (AFL) was completing its fourth season, the NFL still regarded itself as the premiere professional league of American football, as reflected in WGN radio broadcaster Jack Quinlan's comment as the clock ticked to zero on the final play: "The Chicago Bears are world's champions of professional football!" It was 22 years before the Bears won another league championship.

Scoring summary

[edit]
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 3 0010
Bears 7 0 7014

at Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 29, 1963
  • Game time: 12:05 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 4 °F (−16 °C), wind 11 mph (18 km/h), wind chill −11 °F (−24 °C), relative humidity 60%
  • Pro-Football-Reference
Game information

Officials

[edit]

The NFL had five game officials in 1963; the line judge was added in 1965 and the side judge in 1978.

Players' shares

[edit]

The gate receipts for the game were about $500,000 and the television money was $926,000. For the first time, the NFL tried a closed-circuit telecast in the local blackout area, with 26,000 viewing on large screens in four locations: McCormick Place, International Amphitheatre, Chicago Coliseum, and Chicago Stadium;[1][19][20] tickets ranged from $4 to $7.50.[19] Gross receipts were $1,493,954, with $35,402 from the closed-circuit telecast.[21]

Each player on the winning Bears team received $5,899, while Giants players made $4,218 each.[21][22] Both were a record, each a slight increase over the previous year's championship game at Yankee Stadium, despite a significantly lower attendance due to the venue.[21]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

1963 NFL Championship Game

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 1963 NFL Championship Game was the 31st annual title game of the (NFL), contested on December 29, 1963, at in Chicago, Illinois, between the host of the Western Conference and the visiting of the Eastern Conference. In a defensively dominated contest played in frigid conditions, the Bears defeated the Giants 14–10 to claim their eighth NFL championship and first since 1946, ending a 17-year title drought under head coach . The Bears entered the game with an 11–1–2 regular-season record, having clinched the Western Conference title two weeks earlier with a 24–14 victory over the , while their defense allowed just 144 points all season and held high-powered offenses like the and to minimal scores in key matchups. The Giants, coached by , finished 11–3 and boasted the league's top-scoring offense with 448 points, led by quarterback 's 36 touchdown passes and a 60% completion rate. A crowd of 45,801 braved temperatures of 4°F (-18°C) with 11 mph winds and a of -11°F (-24°C), on a frozen, rock-hard field treated with hay and heaters but still treacherous, contributing to a low-scoring, turnover-filled affair. The game began with the Giants striking first in the opening quarter, as connected with on a 14-yard pass for a 7–0 lead, but Bears Billy Wade responded with a 2-yard rushing to tie it at 7–7. New York added a 13-yard field goal by late in the second quarter for a 10–7 halftime edge, but the Bears' defense, anchored by linebacker Larry Morris (named game MVP), forced five interceptions of , including a crucial pick by Morris on a that set up scoring position. In the third quarter, safety Rosey Taylor's goal-line tackle stopped Giants running back on fourth down, preserving the Bears' opportunity, and Wade's 1-yard run in that frame gave a 14–10 lead they never relinquished. Richie Petitbon's late interception sealed the victory, as running back Ronnie Bull's 10 consecutive carries in the final minutes ran out the clock. Statistically, the Bears managed 14 first downs and 222 total yards against the Giants' 17 first downs and 268 yards, with both teams struggling in the passing game amid the weather and pressure: Wade completed 10 of 28 attempts for 138 yards, while went 11 of 29 for 147 yards but was sacked repeatedly and threw five interceptions. The win marked the Bears' last Championship before the AFL-NFL merger and era, highlighting the tenacity of Halas's veteran squad featuring and defensive stars like , who also intercepted a pass. Broadcast on with local blackout in —forcing many fans to theaters or nearby cities—the game underscored the NFL's growing national appeal despite the harsh elements and the somber national mood following President John F. Kennedy's assassination six weeks prior.

Historical Context

NFL Landscape in 1963

The 1963 NFL season consisted of 14 teams split evenly between the Eastern and Western Conferences, with each franchise playing a 14-game schedule from to December. Without wild card provisions, the top team in each conference advanced directly to the championship game, maintaining the league's straightforward playoff format amid growing competition from the rival (AFL). This structure underscored the NFL's established hierarchy, as teams vied for supremacy in a pre-merger landscape where bidding wars for talent with the AFL were escalating player salaries and straining league resources. Key events defined the season's narrative, including the decline of the ' reign after back-to-back titles in 1961 and 1962, as they stumbled to a second-place finish in the Western Conference following decisive defeats. Concurrently, defensive prowess emerged as a league hallmark, with units emphasizing stout run-stopping and pass disruption gaining prominence over offensive fireworks. Attendance trends reflected the sport's rising popularity, as regular-season paid crowds set a record at 4,163,643 across 98 games, averaging 42,486 spectators per contest and signaling robust fan engagement despite economic and competitive pressures. The championship game on December 29 occurred just five weeks after President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, igniting widespread controversy over whether to postpone amid profound national grief. Commissioner opted to proceed, arguing that professional football could serve as a unifying distraction and , a stance that drew criticism but aligned with the league's earlier decision to play regular-season games two days post-assassination. In contrast, the AFL delayed its title contest by a week, highlighting differing approaches to the tragedy. As one of the last standalone NFL championships, the 1963 game preceded intensified merger negotiations with the AFL, which culminated in a 1966 agreement to unify the leagues by 1970.

Team Profiles and Regular Seasons

The entered the 1963 season as the defending Eastern Conference champions, finishing with an 11–3 record to secure the top spot in their division for the third consecutive year under head coach . The team's offensive prowess was evident, as they led the in points scored with 448, driven by Y.A. Tittle's league-leading 36 touchdown passes, a record that stood until 1984. Key contributors included halfback , who provided veteran leadership and versatility in the backfield, and punter , whose reliable leg helped in field position battles throughout the season. Despite an early-season stumble with a 31–0 loss to the that briefly tested their resolve, the Giants rebounded strongly, clinching the conference title with wins over rivals like the and . Injuries to defensive players, including linebacker , tested the unit's depth, but the offense's consistency carried the team forward. In the Western Conference, the Chicago Bears, coached by legendary owner George Halas in his return to the sideline, posted an impressive 11–1–2 record, marking their first division crown since 1956 and reviving the storied "Monsters of the Midway" defensive tradition. The defense, coordinated by George Allen, was the league's stingiest, allowing just 144 points all season—an average of 10.3 per game—and leading the NFL in fewest rushing yards permitted at 1,442. Linebacker Bill George anchored the unit with his innovative middle linebacker play, while fellow linebacker Larry Morris excelled in run stops and pass coverage, forming a formidable tandem that disrupted opponents' rhythms. Offensively, quarterback Billy Wade managed a balanced attack featuring rookie tight end Mike Ditka's receiving skills, though the Bears' two ties—against the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers—prevented a perfect mark. A pivotal late-season win over the rival Green Bay Packers solidified their position, overcoming injuries to running back Willie Galimore to finish atop the West. With the NFL's 1963 playoff structure pitting the Eastern and Western Conference winners directly against each other in the championship game, the Giants and Bears earned their matchup through divisional dominance without additional playoff rounds, a format that had defined the league since its early years. This clash highlighted contrasting styles: New York's high-octane passing game versus Chicago's suffocating defense, setting the stage for a defensive battle in the title contest.

Pre-Game Buildup

Venue, Weather, and Attendance

The 1963 NFL Championship Game was held at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, a multi-purpose stadium primarily known as the home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs since 1914. The Chicago Bears had used the venue for their home NFL games since 1921, marking it as one of the league's oldest football sites, though it was adapted from baseball with an east-west field orientation running from third base to right field. This configuration resulted in unique dimensions, including a regulation-length field but an unusually shallow eight-yard-deep end zone in the northeast corner due to the proximity of the outfield wall, which was only 18 inches from the goal line, creating challenges for plays near that end. The grass surface, typical for the era, was in poor condition by late December, exacerbated by the cold, leading to a frozen turf that affected player footing throughout the contest. This game marked the final NFL Championship hosted at Wrigley Field, as the Bears relocated their home games to Soldier Field the following season for greater capacity and better facilities. Weather conditions were brutally harsh, with a kickoff temperature of 4°F (-16°C), 11 mph winds, 60% relative , and a factor of -11°F (-24°C). The frigid air and frozen field made passing difficult and increased the risk of slips, while the overall chill tested player endurance in an era without modern protective gear. Ground crews prepared the field by using hot-air blowers to attempt softening the ice-hardened surface, though efforts were limited by the extreme cold that had persisted all week. Players relied on basic sideline heating devices, such as portable tents and blankets, to combat the cold between plays, reflecting the rudimentary preparations available at the time. Official attendance was 45,801, below the stadium's football capacity of around 46,000, with the sparse crowd attributed to the subfreezing temperatures deterring many fans despite strong interest in the matchup. Of the 18,000 tickets available to non-season ticket holders, all sold out within three hours of going on sale, indicating robust demand tempered by the weather. Gate receipts totaled approximately $500,000, a significant figure for the era, supplemented by revenue from over 26,000 viewers watching closed-circuit telecasts in Chicago-area venues. The cold not only thinned the on-site crowd but also highlighted 's limitations for winter football, contributing to the Bears' eventual move.

Broadcast and Media Coverage

The 1963 NFL Championship Game was televised nationally on in black and white, a standard format for the era that featured limited camera angles and production capabilities compared to later decades. Play-by-play duties were handled by and , with George Connor providing color commentary; this shared announcing team reflected the network's approach to covering both host and visiting teams. Radio coverage was provided by NBC Radio, with Jim Gibbons on play-by-play and as analyst, delivering the game to listeners across the country through a network of affiliates. The broadcast reached a substantial national audience, estimated in the tens of millions and notable for its scale in the pre-Super Bowl years, though international distribution remained negligible due to the league's primarily domestic focus at the time. Pre-game media coverage in newspapers emphasized the as slight favorites over the , based on Y.A. Tittle's passing prowess and the team's offensive output during the regular season. However, the national tone was subdued, influenced by the ongoing mourning following President John F. Kennedy's assassination five weeks earlier on November 22, 1963, which cast a shadow over sports reporting and public engagement with the event.

Game Narrative

First Half Summary

The received the opening kickoff at , where returner Charlie Killett fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the Bears, but a Chicago offside penalty negated the play and forced a rekick, giving New York favorable field position to start their initial drive. , the Giants' , orchestrated a methodical 41-yard advance featuring short passes and runs, culminating in a 14-yard pass to at the 7:22 mark of the first quarter, with Don Chandler's extra point providing an early 7-0 lead; the cold weather, with temperatures around 4 degrees Fahrenheit (-15°C) and gusty winds, limited longer aerial attempts in favor of conservative plays. Later in the first quarter, sustained a knee injury when Bears linebacker Larry Morris struck him with his helmet during a throwing motion on a sideline pass attempt to Gifford, which was ruled incomplete; the hit significantly hampered Tittle's mobility, forcing him to limp through subsequent series despite remaining in the game initially. Capitalizing on the momentum shift, the Bears' defense forced a turnover when Morris intercepted a limping Tittle's pass, returning it 61 yards to set up a quick scoring drive capped by Billy Wade's 2-yard at 14:44, tying the score at 7-7 after Bob Jencks' conversion; Chicago's run-heavy strategy, relying on their strong offensive line, controlled the ground game effectively in the chilly conditions. In the second quarter, reinjured his knee on another hit from Morris during a pass play, prompting his temporary exit and the entry of rookie backup Glynn Griffing, who led a 77-yard march mixing runs and short throws but stalled near the goal line, resulting in Chandler's 13-yard at 5:11 to regain a 10-7 advantage for New York. The Bears responded with a sustained drive into Giants territory, emphasizing ground pounds to exploit the weather's impact on passing, but Jencks missed a 40-yard attempt as time expired in the half, preserving New York's slim lead while Chicago's defensive pressure foreshadowed ongoing challenges for the Giants' offense.

Second Half Summary

The second half began with the Bears trailing 10-7, as , hampered by a sustained earlier in the game, returned to lead the Giants but struggled with accuracy and mobility. Following halftime, the Giants advanced to the Bears' 1-yard line, but safety Rosey Taylor tackled running back on fourth down, stopping them short of the end zone and giving Chicago possession. In the third quarter, Chicago's defense capitalized on Tittle's limitations when defensive end intercepted a intended for Joe Morrison at around the Giants' 24-yard line, returning it 10 yards to the 14. The Bears then marched 14 yards in seven plays, with tight end catching a 4-yard pass before Billy Wade plunged in from 1 yard out for the go-ahead touchdown, followed by Bob Jencks' extra point, putting Chicago ahead 14-10 at the 12:48 mark. The Bears' halftime adjustments focused on bolstering their defensive pressure and shifting emphasis to the ground game, which stifled the Giants' passing attack and limited to ineffective throws, often off his back foot due to pain. In the fourth quarter, controlled the tempo with a series of runs, including 10 consecutive carries by Ronnie Bull that consumed over five minutes and preserved their lead. The Giants mounted a final drive from their own 16-yard line with 1:38 remaining, advancing to the Bears' 39 via short passes to Morrison and , but 's deep attempt to Del Shofner sailed incomplete and was intercepted by Richie Petitbon in the end zone, sealing the 14-10 victory. Overall, the Bears' defensive surge forced five interceptions of —four in the second half alone—while their balanced attack prevented New York from adapting to the quarterback's injury, marking a decisive shift from the first half's closer contest.

Scoring Summary

The scoring in the 1963 NFL Championship Game between the and was limited to four successful plays, resulting in a final score of Bears 14, Giants 10.
QuarterTimeTeamPlay DescriptionScore
1st7:22NYG 14-yard pass from (Don Chandler kick good)NYG 7–0
1st14:44CHIBilly Wade 2-yard rush (Bob Jencks kick good)7–7
2nd5:11NYG 13-yard NYG 10–7
3rd12:48CHIBilly Wade 1-yard rush (Bob Jencks kick good)CHI 14–10
No points were scored in the fourth quarter.

Game Analysis

Key Plays and Turning Points

One of the earliest turning points came in the first quarter when quarterback , on a attempt, was hit by linebacker Larry Morris, twisting Tittle's left knee and severely limiting his mobility for the remainder of the game. This hit not only injured Tittle but also resulted in Morris intercepting the pass and returning it 61 yards to the Giants' 5-yard line, setting up Bears quarterback Billy Wade's 2-yard touchdown sneak to tie the score at 7-7. The injury forced Tittle to receive medical attention at halftime and altered the Giants' offensive execution, as their reliance on passing plays became less effective against the Bears' . In the second quarter, the Giants mounted a drive to the Bears' 3-yard line but stalled, settling for a 13-yard by , taking a 10-7 lead; this opportunity highlighted New York's inability to capitalize fully on their early momentum, especially after Tittle's hobbled performance prevented further penetration. The cold, windy conditions at exacerbated kicking challenges throughout the game. Meanwhile, Bears head coach employed a conservative strategy emphasizing short-yardage runs and safe passes to protect leads, contrasting with Allie Sherman's aggressive passing approach for the Giants, which led to multiple turnovers. The third quarter proved decisive when Bears defensive end Ed O'Bradovich intercepted a Tittle pass intended for running back Joe Morrison, returning it 14 yards to the Giants' 14-yard line, directly setting up Wade's 1-yard touchdown run that gave Chicago a 14-10 lead they would not relinquish. This interception, one of five forced by the Bears' defense on Tittle (including additional picks by Bennie McRae, Richie Petitbon, and Dave Whitsell), crippled New York's comeback attempts by preventing sustained drives and forcing punts or turnovers. Petitbon's final interception in the end zone on a desperation heave sealed the victory, underscoring how the Bears' defensive highlights shifted the game's momentum irreversibly.

Player Performances and Officials

The ' defense dominated the 1963 NFL Championship Game, with linebacker Larry Morris earning game MVP honors for his pivotal contributions, including an returned 61 yards that set up a crucial touchdown and a hit on Giants as he threw that contributed to his early injury. Safety Richie Petitbon also shone, securing a game-sealing in the end zone on the final play to prevent a potential Giants score. Veteran middle linebacker Bill George anchored the unit as a defensive leader, helping coordinate the ' shutdown performance that limited New York to just 10 points despite their potent regular-season offense. For the Giants, struggled after sustaining a knee injury in the first quarter from a hit by Morris, completing 11 of 29 passes for 147 yards, one , and a league-championship-record five interceptions before limping through the remainder of the game. His lone scoring throw was a 14-yard pass to early in the first quarter, which gave New York a brief 7-0 lead. The officiating crew, led by referee Norm Schachter in his first season as an NFL referee, oversaw a relatively clean contest with only 60 total penalty yards called. The full crew included umpire Ralph Morcroft, head linesman , back judge Ralph Vandenberg, and field judge Fred Swearingen; notable calls were minimal, though a personal foul on Giants linebacker for piling on Bears Billy Wade after a play highlighted the physicality without derailing the flow.

Chicago Bears Starting Lineup

PositionOffenseDefense
QBBilly Wade-
RB-
RBRonnie Bull-
WRJohnny Morris-
TE-
FBJoe Marconi-
LTBob WetoskaDE
LGMike PyleDT
CArt FrantzDT Larry Peccatiello
RGTed DavisLB Bill George
RTFred WilliamsLB Joe Fortunato
--LB Larry Morris
--CB Bennie McRae
--CB Larry Clarke
--S Richie Petitbon
--S Rosey Taylor

New York Giants Starting Lineup

PositionOffenseDefense
QB-
RB-
RBJoe Morrison-
WRDel Shofner-
TEAaron Thomas-
LTRosey BrownDE Andy Robustelli
LGDarrell DessDT Dick Modzelewski
CGreg LarsenDT
RGBookie BolinDE Jim Katcavage
RTJack StroudLB
--LB Cliff Livingston
--LB Jerry Hillebrand
--CB Erich Barnes
--CB Dick Lynch
--S Jim Patton

Aftermath and Legacy

Final Statistics and Shares

The 1963 NFL Championship Game between the and featured a defensive battle, with the Bears securing a 14–10 victory through superior turnover margin and ball control. Team statistics highlighted the Giants' edge in total offense but were undermined by critical errors. The Bears recorded 93 rushing yards on 31 attempts and 138 net passing yards on 10 completions out of 28 attempts, while the Giants amassed 128 rushing yards on 38 attempts and 147 net passing yards on 11 completions out of 30 attempts.
Category
Rushing Yards93128
Passing Yards138147
Total Yards222268
Turnovers26
Fumbles2 (both lost)2 (1 lost)
Penalties5 (35 yards)3 (25 yards)
Punts7 (41.0 avg)4 (43.3 avg)
The Bears forced five interceptions off Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle, contributing to their two total turnovers compared to the Giants' six. Individual leaders underscored the ground game's importance despite modest totals. For the Bears, running back Ronnie Bull led with 42 rushing yards on 13 carries, while quarterback Billy Wade added 34 yards on eight carries and completed 10 of 28 passes for 138 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. For the Giants, Joe Morrison paced the rushers with 61 yards on 18 carries, and Tittle went 11 of 29 for 147 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. Players' shares reflected the game's financial stakes, derived from gate receipts and other revenues. Gross receipts totaled $1,426,000, including approximately $50,000 from broadcasts in three auditoriums, leading to a players' pool of $393,400 split 60–40 between winners and losers. Each received $5,900, a record at the time, while each Giant earned $4,218.

Immediate Impact and Historical Significance

The victory marked George Halas's eighth and final NFL championship as head coach of the Chicago Bears, a milestone that underscored his legendary status in the league after decades of leadership. For the , the loss compounded their frustration after reaching three straight championship games without a title, leading to immediate disappointment among players and fans who had high expectations for Y.A. Tittle's elite performance. Tittle's knee injury sustained early in the game significantly hampered his effectiveness and contributed to the end of his peak years, as he struggled in the 1964 season before retiring. The Bears' triumph represented their first NFL title since 1946, ending a 17-year drought and revitalizing the franchise under Halas, though they were unable to repeat as champions, with their next victory coming in in 1985. In contrast, the Giants experienced a sharp decline following the defeat, plummeting to a 2-10-2 record in 1964 and entering a prolonged period of mediocrity that lasted through the decade. As one of the final pre-Super Bowl era championships—before the AFL-NFL merger in 1966—the game highlighted the Bears' dominant defense, coordinated by George Allen, which allowed just 144 points during the regular season and intercepted five times in the title contest. This unit's innovative schemes and physicality set a standard for future defenses, influencing strategies that emphasized aggressive play and turnovers in subsequent years. Played at amid the national mourning following President John F. Kennedy's assassination five weeks earlier, the contest provided a focal point of communal celebration and normalcy during a somber period.

References

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  26. https://profootballresearchers.com/articles/1963_NFL_Championship.pdf
  27. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-61
  28. https://www.raresportsfilms.com/1963_NFL_Champoinship.html
  29. https://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/26-03-1029.pdf
  30. https://www.staleymuseum.com/staleys-bears-20-21/george-stanley-halas/
  31. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/obit-tittle-1.4346895
  32. https://www.chicagobears.com/history/
  33. https://giantswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2023/10/10/ranking-5-biggest-letdown-seasons-new-york-giants-history/79704852007/
  34. https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2019/6/8/18658061/the-best-ditka-toasts-bears-1963-championship-defense
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