NFL History: December 9, 1934 at New York * NFLhistory.org

Pictured with the ball: Chicago Bear Bronco Nagurski

The New York Giants rallied for 27 points to overcome a 13-3 Chicago lead and score a 30-13 victory in the "sneaker game". The Giants had switched from football shoes to basketball shoes on a frozen field in the Polo Grounds.

Giants President John V. Mara inspected the playing field the morning of the game and reported the condition to head coach Steve Owen. Owen and team captain Ray Flaherty discussed the idea of wearing basketball shoes. Some of the Giants' players were asked to bring their own sneakers to the game. Abe Cohen, a clubhouse equipment aide, made a trip to Manhattan College for additional pairs. The Giant's organization was told that rubber soled sneakers would not slide on the ice but would glide across, thereby providing needed traction.

The Giant's did not put on their rubber-soled shoes until the 3rd quarter. They trailed 10-3 at half-time and fell behind 13-3 in the 3rd quarter. Rookie Ed Danowski, who replaced the injured Harry Newman at tailback in the Giants' single-wing formation in midseason, threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Malcolm (Ike) Frankian to make the score 13-10. On their next possession, after taking over at the Chicago 42, the Giant's took only one-play to score, as Ken Strong burst up the middle for a touchdown. A short while later Strong scored again, this time from the 11 yardline. Danowski finished the romp over the stunned Chicago Bears with a 9-yard dash around right end. This game was a rematch of the NFL Championship Game the year before when the Bears defeated the Giants in Chicago, 23-21.

The Sneaker Game - The Giants beat the Bears, 30-13

*** View 1934 Championship Trophy ***

SCORING:
NY Giants - FG Strong 38
Chicago - Nagurski 1 run (Manders kick)
Chicago - FG Manders 17 
Chicago - FG Manders 24 
NY Giants - Frankian 28 pass from Danowski (Strong kick)
NY Giants - Strong 42 run (Strong kick)
NY Giants - Strong 11 run (kick failed)
NY Giants - Danowski 9 run (Molenda kick)

[ Index ] [ Home ] [ Nostalgia ] [ Hall of Fame ] [ Superbowls ] [ Championships ]
[ Playoffs 08-00 - 99-90 - 89-80 - 79-70 - 69-66 ] [ WHAT'S NEW ]

All source code © 2009 NFLhistory.org - All rights reserved.