1935 NFL Championship vs Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions: four NFL championships, all pre-Super Bowl, with the second-longest championship drought in the league.
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division.
- Key Opponent
- Chicago Bears (team)
Lore & Background
The franchise was founded in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1928 and joined the NFL on July 12, 1930. After being purchased by George A. Richards in 1934, the franchise was relocated to Detroit and renamed to the Detroit Lions in reference to the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, the Detroit Tigers. The team plays its home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off Lake Michigan as players stepped onto the frozen turf at Comiskey Park. The crowd roared for their local heroes, but deep within the Lions' locker room, there was a quiet steeliness. They knew they were underdogs, yet the belief in Coach Conzelman's system burned bright against the Chicago chill.
Reader's Guide
The Lions have won four NFL championships, all of which pre-date the existence of the Super Bowl. The Lions' four championships are tied for the tenth most total championships amongst all 32 NFL franchises; the last of these was in 1957, which gives the club the second-longest NFL championship drought behind the Arizona Cardinals. They are one of four current teams, and the only one in the NFC, to have never played in the Super Bowl. Two of these teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans, are expansion teams in the AFC that began play in 1995 and 2002 respectively. Additionally, the Lions have won only three post-season games since 1957. The Lions also lost an NFL-record nine consecutive playoff games from 1991 to 2023.
Did You Know?
- As of the end of the 2024 regular season, the Lions have an all-time record of 606 wins, 709 losses, and 34 ties in the regular season, with an additional 9 wins and 14 losses in the playoffs.
- The team has had 40 winning seasons, 49 losing seasons, and 6 seasons with as many wins as losses.
- The Lions were the first franchise to finish a full (non-strike shortened) regular season with no wins or ties, since the move to sixteen regular season games in 1978, going 0–16 during the 2008 NFL season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the 1935 NFL Championship Game?
The Detroit Lions defeated the Chicago Bears with a decisive final score of 26-7 on December 8, 1935. This victory took place at Comiskey Park in Chicago and secured the franchise's first-ever league title.
Who was the head coach leading Detroit to their first crown?
Jimmy Conzelman served as the head coach who guided the team to this breakthrough victory against the dominant Bears. His strategic leadership was instrumental in overcoming the odds on the road.
Why is this specific matchup significant for Lions history?
This match stands as the cornerstone of franchise history because it delivered Detroit's very first NFL championship ring. It silenced critics and established Motor City as a serious contender by breaking Chicago’s dynasty at their own stadium.
Which notable Bears player did the Lions have to stop?
The Lions faced legendary defensive powerhouse Bronko Nagurski, who was a key threat for the Chicago squad. Overcoming such talent highlighted the exceptional quality of Detroit's performance that day.
Where and when was the championship game played?
The contest occurred on December 8, 1935, at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Winning this away game added to the shock value since it was played against a dominant host team.