1936 NFL Championship
The first of many championships, cementing Green Bay's legacy under Curly Lambeau.
The 1936 NFL Championship Game stands as a watershed moment in Green Bay Packers history, marking the franchise's first title won under the leadership of legendary head coach Curly Lambeau. Played at the Polo Grounds in New York City, this contest pitted the defending champion Packers against the Brooklyn Dodgers (later known as the Tornadoes). For a team that had struggled to find consistency in the early 1930s, this victory validated Lambeau's rebuilding efforts and re-established Green Bay as a dominant force in professional football.
- Date
- December 13, 1936
- Location
- Polo Grounds, New York City
- Opponent
- Brooklyn Dodgers
- Final Score
- 21-6
- Head Coach (Green Bay)
- Curly Lambeau
- Key Player
- Arnie Herber
Lore & Background
By the mid-1930s, the Packers were in a transitional phase. After a period of instability following their early dynasty years, Curly Lambeau had worked tirelessly to rebuild the roster with local talent and strategic acquisitions. The 1936 season saw the team finish with an impressive 10-1 record, securing the Western Division title and a berth in the championship game against the Eastern Division champions, Brooklyn.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off the Hudson River, biting through the wool coats of spectators at the Polo Grounds. Inside the tunnel, the air hung heavy with the smell of wet grass and leather as Arnie Herber tightened his laces. He looked up at Curly Lambeau, whose face was a mask of stoic determination. 'They expect us to fold,' Curly murmured, clapping a gloved hand on Herber's shoulder pad. 'Show them why they fear Green Bay.' As the team burst onto the frozen field, the roar of the crowd faded into a singular focus: the ball, the gridiron, and the first step toward immortality.
Reader's Guide
On December 13, 1936, the Green Bay Packers traveled from a dominant Western Division campaign to New York City's Polo Grounds to face Eastern Division champions Brooklyn. Quarterback Arnie Herber delivered a masterclass in offensive execution despite the biting cold and road pressure, launching three touchdown passes that showcased the passing attack defining the franchise's future. The defense suffocated Brooklyn, limiting them to just six points while controlling the tempo for all four quarters en route to a 21-6 victory. This match ended a seven-year title drought since 1929, signaling Lambeau's successful rebuild and laying the foundation for the dynasty of the late 30s and early 40s.
Did You Know?
- This was the first NFL Championship game played outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
- Arnie Herber's three touchdown passes set a new standard for quarterback play in championship games.
- The Brooklyn Dodgers team folded shortly after this season, making this their only appearance in an NFL title game.
- Curly Lambeau secured the first of six career championships as head coach with this victory.