The 1933 National Football League season stands as a pivotal moment in the league's history, marking significant structural changes and rule innovations that would shape its future. This season, the 14th for the NFL, saw the introduction of a divisional format and a championship game, directly influenced by the success of a playoff game the previous year. These changes, coupled with the entry of new teams and the impact of specific rule modifications,
laid foundational elements for the modern NFL, enhancing competition and fan engagement.
Divisional Play and the Championship Game
One of the most profound changes in 1933 was the league's decision to divide its teams into two divisions for the first time. This structural alteration was a direct response to the positive reception of the playoff game held in 1932. The new format stipulated that the winners of each division would compete in a Championship Game to determine the NFL Champion. This innovation immediately heightened the stakes of the regular season, as teams now had a clear path to a championship showdown. The inaugural NFL Championship Game, held at Wrigley Field, saw the Chicago Bears defeat the New York Giants, solidifying this new format as a successful and exciting addition to the league's calendar.
This divisional structure not only created more competitive races within each division but also provided a definitive, climactic end to the season, a stark contrast to previous years where championships might have been decided by regular-season standings alone. The success of the 1933 Championship Game demonstrated the viability and appeal of this new playoff system, setting a precedent for how future NFL champions would be crowned.
New Teams and Rule Changes
Beyond the structural changes, the 1933 season also witnessed the expansion of the league with the addition of three new teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Reds. These new franchises contributed to the growing footprint of professional football across the United States. Concurrently, the Boston Braves changed their name to the Boston Redskins, further illustrating the dynamic nature of the league during this period. While new teams joined, the Staten Island Stapletons departed the league, though they continued to schedule games against NFL teams, indicating a transitional phase for some organizations.
Another significant development was a new rule that brought the ball back to the hash marks after every play. This rule change had a direct impact on the game, particularly benefiting kickers. For instance, "Automatic" Jack Manders of the Chicago Bears, one of the league's first great placekickers, thrived under this new condition, making all 14 of his extra point attempts and leading the league with 6 field goals. This rule likely contributed to more consistent kicking performances across the league, adding another strategic dimension to the game and influencing scoring dynamics.
