1947 NFL Championship Title
The franchise's sole NFL Championship, claimed by the 1947 Chicago Cardinals over the Philadelphia Eagles.
On Dec. 28, 1947, the Chicago Cardinals took down the Philadelphia Eagles at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., to grab their only NFL Championship under head coach Ray McLean. That single title has stayed bright for fans through years of changes and moves.
- Year
- 1947
- Team Name
- Chicago Cardinals
- Opponent Defeated
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Final Score
- 28-21
- Head Coach
- Ray McLean
- Location
- Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C.
- Championship Status
- NFL Champions
Lore & Background
The championship game itself was a classic of the era, played in front of a crowd at Griffith Stadium under the lights of autumn. The Cardinals trailed early but rallied with a surge of momentum that defined their character. The victory was not just a win on the scoreboard; it was a testament to the team's ability to execute under pressure and outlast a formidable rival, cementing a legacy that would echo through the franchise's subsequent moves from Chicago to St. Louis and finally to Arizona.
In Their Own Story
The cold wind of late December bit at the faces of fans packed into Griffith Stadium as the clock ticked down on a pivotal fourth quarter. The air smelled of wet wool and popcorn, thick with tension. As Tommy Thompson dropped back, scanning the field, he saw Charlie Trippi break free near the sideline. With a perfect spiral cutting through the gray sky, the ball found its mark. The roar that erupted from the Chicago faithful was deafening, a sound that would travel across decades to become the heartbeat of an entire franchise.
Reader's Guide
The 1947 season remains the pinnacle of achievement for the Cardinals organization. The 1947 victory stands alone as the ultimate record. The team's regular season performance that year was impressive, securing a divisional lead before advancing through the playoffs. Their ability to win on the road against top-tier competition highlighted their depth and coaching acumen. This championship set a high bar for future generations of players and coaches who followed in their footsteps. Despite decades of expansion and relocation, no subsequent team has matched this specific feat. The 1947 title serves as the historical anchor for all Cardinals fans, representing the moment the franchise reached the absolute summit of professional football.
Did You Know?
- The 1947 championship game was played at neutral site Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., rather than a home field for either team.
- This remains the only NFL Championship won by the franchise throughout its entire history across all locations.
- The victory came against the Philadelphia Eagles, who were considered one of the strongest teams of that era.
- Head Coach Ray McLean led the Cardinals to this title before passing away just a few years later in 1952.