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/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zmiller_82

NFL / buffalo all-americans

1921 NFL Season Recap

1921 NFL Season Recap

1921 NFL Season Recap