1921 NFL Season Recap

Originally published on Jun. 4, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, December 18th, 1921, the 1921 APFA (now NFL) season concluded with the Chicago Staleys (now Chicago Bears) holding the best regular season record at 9-1-1 to win the first championship in NFL history, while the Buffalo All-Americans took the runner-up spot with a 9-1-2 record. It was the first championship for the Bears franchise.

However, the season was not without controversy, as the All-Americans were set to win the championship with a 9-0-2 record, but had an exhibition game against the Staleys on December 4th to finish out their season, which the Staleys won 10-7. The league decided after the fact that the game would actually count for the regular season standings, putting the All-Americans at a 9-1-2 record. The Staleys went on to win their next game and tie in their final game of the season for a 9-1-1 record, claiming the championship on the tiebreaking win against Buffalo.

Buffalo All-Americans tailback Ockie Anderson and Akron Pros tailback Fritz Pollard tied for most touchdowns on the season with seven.

1921 Final Standings (win-loss-tie format)

1. Chicago Staleys (9-1-1, .900)

2. Buffalo All-Americans (9-1-2, .900)

3. Akron Pros (8-3-1, .727)

4. Canton Bulldogs (5-2-3, .714)

5. Rock Island Independents (4-2-1, .667)

6. Green Bay Packers (3-2-1, .600)

7. Evansville Crimson Giants (3-2, .600)

8. Chicago Cardinals (3-3-2, .500)

9. Dayton Triangles (4-4-1, .500)

10. Rochester Jeffersons (2-3, .400)

11. Cleveland Indians (3-5, .375)

12. Washington Senators (1-2, .333)

13. Minneapolis Mariners (1-3, .250)

14. Cincinnati Celts (1-3, .250)

15. Hammond Pros (1-3-1, .250)

16. Detroit Tigers (1-5-1, .167)

17. Columbus Panhandles (1-8, .111)

18. Tonawanda Kardex (0-1, .000)

19. Louisville Brecks (0-2, .000)

20. Muncie Flyers (0-2, .000)

21. New York Brickley Giants (0-2, .000)

1921 Chicago Staleys season

 

Link to stats database: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1921_APFA/