During World War II, the National Football League faced a unique challenge: a shortage of players due to military service. This led to the temporary merger of two teams, the Chicago Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers, forming a new team known as Card-Pitt for the 1944 season. This article explores the circumstances that led to the creation of Card-Pitt, its brief existence, and its eventual dissolution.
Origins of Card-Pitt
The formation of Card-Pitt was not the first
time the Pittsburgh Steelers had merged with another team. In 1943, the Steelers combined with the Philadelphia Eagles to form the "Steagles" due to similar wartime player shortages. The following year, the NFL faced scheduling difficulties with the return of the Cleveland Rams and the addition of the Boston Yanks, creating an 11-team league. To address these issues, NFL commissioner Elmer Layden proposed another merger for the Steelers, this time with the Chicago Cardinals.
Art Rooney, the owner of the Steelers, agreed to the merger under the condition that at least half of the home games would be played at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field. The Cardinals, who had not won a game in 1943, were chosen as the merger partner. The newly formed Card-Pitt team would compete in the Western Division, which included formidable opponents like the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
The 1944 Season
Card-Pitt's 1944 season was challenging from the start. The team began training camp in Waukesha, Wisconsin, under the direction of co-coaches Walt Kiesling and Phil Handler. They decided to implement a T formation offense, which some Steelers players were familiar with from their time with the Steagles. However, the team struggled with a lack of a dependable quarterback and other key players.
The season opener against the Cleveland Rams saw Card-Pitt take a lead late in the game, only to lose due to a poor punt that allowed the Rams to score the winning touchdown. The team continued to face difficulties, including the loss of quarterback Coley McDonough to the U.S. Army. Despite some close games, Card-Pitt finished the season with a 0-10 record, tying with the Brooklyn Tigers for the league's worst record.
Dissolution and Aftermath
The merger of the Chicago Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers was dissolved immediately after the 1944 season ended. The war concluded before the start of the 1945 season, allowing both teams to resume normal operations. The Card-Pitt experiment was a unique response to the challenges of wartime, and while it did not result in success on the field, it remains a notable chapter in NFL history.
The legacy of Card-Pitt is a reminder of the impact of global events on sports and the adaptability required to navigate such challenges. Despite their winless season, the players and coaches involved in Card-Pitt went on to achieve success in subsequent years, contributing to the rich history of the NFL.
