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 second 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)
6. Evansville Crimson Giants (3-2, .600)
8. Chicago Cardinals (3-3-2, .500)
8. 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)
13. Cincinnati Celts (1-3, .250)
13. 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)
18. Louisville Brecks (0-2, .000)
18. Muncie Flyers (0-2, .000)
18. New York Brickley Giants (0-2, .000)
1921 Chicago Staleys season
Link to stats database: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1921_APFA/
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