1946 All-America Football Conference: The Inaugural Regular Season
The 1946 season marked the historic debut of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), a professional league that challenged the established order of football. From record-breaking crowds to the breaking of racial barriers, the inaugural year set the stage for some of the most iconic franchises in sports history.
Key Facts
- Record Attendance: The opening game in Cleveland drew 60,135 fans, the largest crowd for a regularly scheduled professional football game at the time.
- Trailblazers: The Cleveland Browns featured Marion Motley and Bill Willis, two African-American players who helped shatter the color barrier.
- Dominant Force: The Cleveland Browns established themselves as the team to beat, allowing only six points in their first three games.
- Division Leaders: The New York Yankees led the Eastern Division, while the Cleveland Browns dominated the Western Division.
The Opening Salvo: Week One
The AAFC kicked off on Friday, September 6, at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium. The Cleveland Browns, coached by Paul Brown and led by quarterback Otto Graham, delivered a commanding 44-0 victory over the Miami Seahawks. This game was not only a blowout but a cultural milestone, featuring the talents of Bill Willis and Marion Motley.
The action continued on September 9. The New York Yankees defeated the San Francisco 49ers 21-7 at Kezar Stadium, while the Brooklyn Dodgers topped the Buffalo Bisons 27-14. In the latter game, single wing halfback Glenn Dobbs showcased his versatility with a touchdown pass and a 58-yard scoring run involving a lateral.
Early Season Momentum and Power Shifts
By Week Two, the Cleveland Browns continued their surge, defeating the Chicago Rockets 20-6 at Soldier Field. Marion Motley opened the scoring with a 20-yard run, and Lou Groza contributed significantly with two field goals and two PATs (points after touchdown), totaling 22 points for the season.
Other notable results included the Los Angeles Dons' 20-14 win over the Brooklyn Dodgers and a dramatic come-from-behind victory for the New York Yankees against the Buffalo Bisons. Despite a 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Buffalo's Al Vandeweghe, the Yankees secured the win with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
The Rise of the Browns and 49ers
In Week Three, the Cleveland Browns maintained their momentum with a 28-0 shutout of the Buffalo Bisons. Otto Graham's efficiency was on full display, including a 33-yard touchdown pass to Marion Motley. Meanwhile, Frankie Albert led the San Francisco 49ers to a 32-13 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers, moving the Niners to a 2-1 record.
Mid-Season Drama and Division Battles
Week Four introduced the league's first Wednesday night game, where the Chicago Rockets edged out the Buffalo Bisons 38-35 via a walk-off field goal by Steve Nemeth. This game was overshadowed by the departure of head coach Dick Hanley, who left the team following personal disagreements with owner John L. Keeshin.
As the season progressed into Week Five, the New York Yankees asserted their dominance in the Eastern Division with a 21-13 win over Buffalo, powered by rookie Spec Sanders. Sanders, the league leader in total offense, scored both a touchdown pass and a 76-yard punt return.
The league also attempted its first venture into the Deep South with a Tuesday game between the Miami Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. The event was poorly attended, with only 7,621 fans witnessing a 34-7 victory for the 49ers.
1946 Final Standings
The inaugural season concluded with the Cleveland Browns emerging as the powerhouse of the Western Division and the New York Yankees claiming the top spot in the East.
| Division | Team | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern | New York Yankees | 10 | 3 | 1 | .769 | 270 | 192 |
| Buffalo Bisons | 3 | 10 | 1 | .231 | 249 | 370 | |
| Brooklyn Dodgers | 3 | 10 | 1 | .231 | 226 | 339 | |
| Miami Seahawks | 3 | 11 | 0 | .214 | 167 | 378 | |
| Western | Cleveland Browns | 12 | 2 | 0 | .857 | 423 | 137 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 9 | 5 | 0 | .643 | 307 | 189 | |
| Los Angeles Dons | 7 | 5 | 2 | .583 | 305 | 290 | |
| Chicago Rockets | 5 | 6 | 3 | .455 | 263 | 315 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the key African-American players on the 1946 Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns featured Marion Motley, a powerful fullback and linebacker, and Bill Willis, both of whom were instrumental in breaking the color barrier in professional football.
Which game had the highest attendance in the 1946 AAFC season?
The opening game on September 6 between the Cleveland Browns and the Miami Seahawks drew 60,135 fans to Municipal Stadium, setting a record for a regularly scheduled professional football game.
Who led the league in total offense during the 1946 season?
New York Yankees rookie Spec Sanders was the league leader in total offense, notably contributing a touchdown pass and a 76-yard punt return in a victory over the Buffalo Bisons.
How did the Cleveland Browns perform in the first three weeks of the season?
The Browns were dominant, winning their first three games and allowing a total of only six points, establishing themselves as the league's premier team.
What happened with the coaching staff of the Chicago Rockets in Week Four?
Head coach Dick Hanley left the team due to personal disagreements with owner John L. Keeshin, watching the Rockets' victory over the Buffalo Bisons from the stands.