1940 NFL All-Star Game (January)

NFL All-Star Game March 2026 the NFL All-Star Game that followed the 1939 season, played on January 14, 1940 the game that followed the 1940 season, played on December 29, 1940 1940 NFL All-Star Game (December) August 2023 pb 1940 NFL All-Star Game (January) 1940 Gilmore Stadium before being demolished 1951.jpg Gilmore Stadium (1951) was the site of the game Black and white photo of the stands in a stadium with someone sitting on one Green Bay Packers 9–2 NFL All-Stars Not applicable 3 0 10 0 0 7 3 0 January 14, 1940 2:00 p.m. PST Pacific Time Zone Gilmore Stadium Los Angeles, CA Curly Lambeau Green Bay Packers Steve Owen New York Giants 18,000 Russ Winnie 1940 (Dec) The 1940 National Football League (NFL) All-Star Game was an exhibition contest that the NFL organized after the 1939 season. The game was played between the Green Bay Packers, the league's champion that season, and a team of all-stars made up of players from the remaining NFL teams. The players on the all-star team were selected by a national poll of fans. The game, which was delayed a week due to rain, was played on Sunday, January 14, 1940, at Gilmore Stadium in Los Angeles, California, United States, in front of approximately 18,000 fans. The Packers defeated the All-Stars by a score of 16–7 on three field goals and a 92-yard touchdown pass from Cecil Isbell to Don Hutson. The all-star game format was continued for another three seasons before ending due to World War II. A new all-star format, branded as the Pro Bowl, began after the 1950 NFL season, with these all-star games retroactively considered the first Pro Bowls. Background Starting after the 1938 season, the NFL instituted an exhibition match-up between the league's champion and a group of all-stars compiled from the remaining NFL teams. 12 4 Crawford Fred R. http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/12-04-407.pdf The First Pro Bowl Game The Coffin Corner June 7, 2024 November 12, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030722/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/12-04-407.pdf live This first match-up, the 1939 NFL All-Star Game (called such because it was played in January 1939), pitted the New York Giants (the champions of the 1938 season) against the NFL All-Star team, which was selected based on fan voting. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-facts-figures-reg/27610423/ Facts, Figures Regarding First Annual Pro Game January 8, 1939 June 7, 2024 Los Angeles Times clipping Newspapers.com 11 June 8, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240608041952/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-facts-figures-reg/27610423/ live The next season, the Green Bay Packers finished with a record of 9 2, winning the Western Division. They played the New York Giants in the 1939 NFL Championship Game, winning 27–0 to become the league champion. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1939.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 1939 Green Bay Packers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees June 7, 2024 April 11, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230411193321/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1939.htm live The second NFL All-Star Game was scheduled for January 7, 1940, with the NFL All-Stars again being selected by fan voting. https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-all-stars-confident-of-trip/149001207/ All-Stars Confident Of Tripping Packers December 28, 1939 June 9, 2024 Kenosha News clipping Newspapers.com 8 June 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240609163914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-all-stars-confident-of-trip/149001207/ live The Packers team was coached by Curly Lambeau, while the NFL All-Stars were coached by Steve Owen, the head coach of the Giants. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/OwenSt0.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com June 7, 2024 Steve Own Record September 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130930102217/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/OwenSt0.htm live Both Lambeau and Owen would go on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as players and coaches. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/earl-curly-lambeau/ ProFootballHoF.com June 7, 2024 Earl (Curly) Lambeau December 2, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231202170318/https://www.profootballhof.com/players/earl-curly-lambeau/ live https://www.profootballhof.com/players/steve-owen/ ProFootballHoF.com June 7, 2024 Steve Owen March 1, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240301204923/https://www.profootballhof.com/players/steve-owen live The Packers' team included three future Hall of Famers: Arnie Herber, Clarke Hinkle, and Don Hutson. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/ ProFootballHoF.com Players June 7, 2024 March 29, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200329032819/https://www.profootballhof.com/players/ live Lambeau ultimately started a less experienced group with the goal of working out younger players in preparation for the next season. Russ Letlow and Harry Jacunski were both injured going into the game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-delayed-pro-bowl/149004811/ Delayed Pro Bowl Contest Scheduled for Sunday Purser Howard January 13, 1940 June 9, 2024 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 13 June 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240609164023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-delayed-pro-bowl/149004811/ live The NFL All-Stars included five future Hall of Famers: Joe Stydahar, Bruiser Kinard, Mel Hein, Sammy Baugh and Turk Edwards. Prior to the game during a team meeting, the NFL All-Stars elected Hein and Ki Aldrich as co-captains. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-sellout-crowd-ce/149004400/ Sellout Crowd Certain Sunday Purser Howard January 5, 1940 June 9, 2024 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 11 June 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240609163953/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-sellout-crowd-ce/149004400/ live The NFL All-Stars were projected to beat the Packers in what was billed as the only league-approved postseason game. McLemore Henry Pro Football Players in Game Today https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FtFeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AQMGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1985,3687048&hl=en June 3, 2024 Sunday Morning Star January 7, 1940 United Press 23 June 6, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240606201244/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FtFeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=AQMGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1985,3687048&hl=en live Google News Archive Even though they were not expected to win, the Packers were betting favorites going into the game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-battle-p/149004589/ Packers Battle Professional All-Stars on Sunday January 6, 1940 June 9, 2024 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 9 June 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240609163920/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-battle-p/149004589/ live Gilmore Stadium in Los Angeles, California, was expanded to provide room for up to 20,000 spectators for the game. However, rain on January 7 forced its postponement to the next Sunday, on January 14. Lambeau called a player meeting in a lead-up to the delayed game to re-energize the team, noting the natural letdown that comes from a rescheduled game. Unlike the Packers, who had just completed a full season together, the All-Stars only trained for three weeks together before the game. The game was played before approximately 18,000 people, https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oshkosh-northwestern-packers-triumph/148639766/ Packers Triumph Over All Stars by Score of 16 to 7 Associated Press January 15, 1940 June 7, 2024 The Oshkosh Northwestern clipping Newspapers.com 13 June 6, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240606224054/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oshkosh-northwestern-packers-triumph/148639766/ live with tickets priced at $1.10, $2.20, and $3.30. Russ Winnie announced the game over the radio in the Wisconsin area. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-winnie-broadcast/149000480/ Winnie Broadcasts Sunday's Football Battle Over Radio January 5, 1940 June 9, 2024 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 11 June 9, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240609163948/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-winnie-broadcast/149000480/ live Game summary thumb|right|Don Hutson caught a 92-yard reception for a touchdown during the All-Star Game.|alt=Black and white photo of Hutson catching a football The Packers scored the first points of the game on a short drive down the field in the first quarter, highlighted by a 20-yard pass from Arnie Herber to Don Hutson. After a few short gains and a dropped pass by Larry Craig, Clarke Hinkle kicked a field goal from the 45-yard line to put the Packers up 3–0. In the second quarter, the Packers went up 6–0 on a short field goal by Ernie Smith. After the All-Stars' Parker Hall punted the ball, the Packers Joe Laws returned it to the All-Stars' 42-yard line. The Packers gained 35 yards, primarily on two completed passes, one for 15 yards by Laws and another for 16 yards by Isbell. The Packers were stopped at the 7-yard line, with Ernie Smith kicking the field goal for 3 points. Before halftime, the All-Stars threatened to score after Frank Filchock completed a 62-yard pass to Bill Smith to the 21-yard line. After getting to the 10-yard line, Filchock attempted a pass that was intercepted by Eddie Jankowski. On the second play after the turnover, Cecil Isbell threw a deep pass to Hutson; Hutson caught the ball, which was a little underthrown, and ran into the end zone for a 92-yard touchdown reception. After Ernie Smith kicked the extra point, the Packers lead grew to 13–0 just before the break. On the ensuing kick-off, Filchock fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Ernie Smith. Paul Engebretsen attempted a short field goal, but the kicked sailed wide of the goal posts. With the All-Stars taking possession of the ball before the break, Charles Goldenberg deflected a Filchock pass and then intercepted another attempt. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-same-old-story/148639897/ Green Bay Press-Gazette Same Old Story; Packers Wallop Pro Rivals, 16 to 7: Part 1 January 15, 1940 June 5, 2024 clipping Newspapers.com Purser Howard 15 June 6, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240606201259/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-same-old-story/148639897/ live https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-same-old-story/148639958/ Green Bay Press-Gazette Same Old Story; Packers Wallop Pro Rivals, 16 to 7: Part 2 January 15, 1940 June 5, 2024 clipping Newspapers.com Purser Howard 16 June 5, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240605175615/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-same-old-story/148639958/ live In the third quarter, the All-Stars broke through with their first and only score. After Herber punted the ball to mid-field, the All-Stars' Davey O'Brien returned the kick 28 yards to the 17-yard line. A first-down brought the ball to inside the 10-yard line. On third down at the 5-yard line, O'Brien completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Joe Carter, with Ward Cuff kicking the extra point. With the Packers leading 13–7, both teams traded possessions until later in the fourth quarter. The Packers had large gains by Hinkle (24 yards) and Andy Uram (21 yards) before another Herber-to-Hutson completion brought the ball to the 8-yard line. Ernie Smith kicked another field goal, his second of the game, to bring the score to 16–7. The Packers ultimately won by this score, but not before threatening to score again after getting the ball down to the 3-yard line. Smith tried to attempt another field goal, but Herber overruled him and attempted to pass the ball into the end zone, although his pass hit the upright for an incompletion. Box score #fff #eee Green Bay Packers; Green Bay Packers;text-align:center; autocollapse 1940 NFL All-Star Game – Game summary Sunday, January 14, 1940 2:00 p.m. PST Pacific Time Zone https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-packers-all-stars/149067053/ Packers, All-Stars Collide Today at Gilmore: Part 1 Wolf Al January 14, 2024 June 10, 2024 Los Angeles Times clipping Newspapers.com 9 June 10, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240610160744/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-packers-all-stars/149067053/ live https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-packers-all-stars/149067181/ Packers, All-Stars Collide Today at Gilmore: Part 2 Wolf Al January 14, 2024 June 10, 2024 Los Angeles Times clipping Newspapers.com 12 June 10, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240610160637/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-packers-all-stars/149067181/ live Packers 3 10 0 3 NFL All-Stars 0 0 7 0 Gilmore Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, U.S. 18,000 High: 70 F / Low: 51 F https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-evening-citizen-news-the-wea/149067523/ The Weather January 15, 2024 June 10, 2024 Los Angeles Evening Citizen News clipping Newspapers.com 9 June 10, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240610160641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/los-angeles-evening-citizen-news-the-wea/149067523/ live Box score reference First quarter GNB Green Bay Packers Clarke Hinkle FG Field goal (from the 45-yard line). Packers 3–0. Second quarter GNB Green Bay Packers Ernie Smith FG Field goal (from the 7-yard line). Packers 6–0. GNB Green Bay Packers Don Hutson 92-yard pass from Cecil Isbell (Ernie Smith extra point), Packers 13–0. Third Quarter NFL NFL All-Stars Joe Carter 5-yard pass from Davey O'Brien (Ward Cuff extra point). Packers 13–7. Fourth quarter GNB Green Bay Packers Ernie Smith FG Field goal (from the 8-yard line). Packers 16–7. Rosters The rosters for both teams included the following starters and reserves: 1939 NFL Pro Bowlers https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1939/probowl.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com June 3, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20120304130604/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1939/probowl.htm March 4, 2012 live Starters Packers Position NFL All-StarsDick WeisgerberQB QuarterbackFred Vanzo (Lions)Frank BalazsFB FullbackJohnny Drake (Rams)Jimmy LawrenceLHB Left halfbackParker Hall (Rams)Joe LawsRHB Right halfbackErny Pinckert (Redskins)Milt GantenbeinLE Left endBuster Poole (Giants)Allen MooreRE Right endPerry Schwartz (Dodgers)Ernie SmithLT Left TackleJoe Stydahar (Bears)Gust ZarnasLG Left GuardRaymond George (Lions)Tom GreenfieldC CenterByron Gentry (Pirates)Pete TinsleyRG Right GuardBruiser Kinard (Dodgers)Charlie SchultzRT Right TackleMel Hein (Giants) ReservesPackersNFL All-Stars Charley Brock Hank Bruder Larry Buhler Larry Craig Paul Engebretsen Charles Goldenberg Arnie Herber Clarke Hinkle Don Hutson Cecil Isbell Eddie Jankowski Harry Jacunski Paul Kell Russ Letlow Carl Mulleneaux Baby Ray Bud Svendsen Andy Uram Ki Aldrich (Cardinals) Sammy Baugh (Redskins) Jim Benton (Rams) Tony Blazine (Cardinals) Joe Carter (Eagles) Ward Cuff (Giants) Turk Edwards (Redskins) Andy Farkas (Redskins) Frank Filchock (Redskins) Jack Johnson (Lions) Pug Manders (Dodgers) George Musso (Bears) Davey O'Brien (Eagles) Bill Osmanski (Bears) Bill Smith (Cardinals) Orville Tuttle (Giants) Analysis After the game, coach Lambeau noted that the game was a good exhibition to see how the younger players on the team would compete against the talent from around the league. Lambeau mentioned that the team's rookies played over half the game, with most of the team showing a willingness to compete. He continued by highlighting the play of Harry Jacunski, Charley Brock, Tom Greenfield, Larry Buhler, among others, while also mentioning his disappointment in Frank Balazs and Charles Schultz. The Green Bay Press-Gazette stated in their summary of the game that the Packers "put on a show for the customers" and that "writers and coaches agree after the game that it was a much better exhibition than the Chicago Bears put on in the first pro bowl game" the prior year. The All-Stars only had a few weeks to train and had never played a game together, which may have contributed to their underachievement. McLemore Henry Green Bay Packers Upset Stars, 16–7 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2jNPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Sk0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3472%2C3334809 June 3, 2024 St. Petersburg Times January 15, 1940 United Press 11 June 6, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240606201217/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2jNPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Sk0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3472%2C3334809 live Legacy The all-star game format, with the defending league champion playing against a team of all-stars from the remaining teams, was continued for three more years: with a game after the 1940, 1941 and 1942 seasons. Associated Press https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27615576/parker_is_excused/ Parker is Excused The Cincinnati Enquirer Newspapers.com December 16, 1940 June 6, 2024 April 21, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190421080838/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27615576/parker_is_excused/ live Associated Press https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27617379/bears_roll_for_three_touchdowns_in/ Bears Roll For Three Touchdowns In Second Period To Beat All-Stars, 35 To 24 Hartford Courant Newspapers.com January 4, 1942 June 6, 2024 January 27, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190127094535/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27617379/bears_roll_for_three_touchdowns_in/ live Meier Ted https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27617721/allstars_beat_redskins_investigate/ All-Stars Beat Redskins; Investigate Failure Of Baugh To Appear For Tilt Associated Press Newspapers.com The Journal Standard December 28, 1942 June 6, 2024 January 27, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190127205638/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27617721/allstars_beat_redskins_investigate/ live The Packers did not win any league championships during this period and thus did not participate as a team in any subsequent all-star games, although some of their players were included in the next three all-star rosters. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/index.htm Green Bay Packers Team Encyclopedia June 6, 2024 Pro-Football-Reference.com March 24, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190324190901/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/index.htm live https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1940/probowl.htm 1940 NFL Pro Bowlers June 6, 2024 Pro-Football-Reference.com October 6, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221006112045/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1940/probowl.htm live https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1941/probowl.htm 1941 NFL Pro Bowlers June 6, 2024 Pro-Football-Reference.com October 6, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221006112006/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1941/probowl.htm live https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1942/probowl.htm 1942 NFL Pro Bowlers June 6, 2024 Pro-Football-Reference.com December 6, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111206172804/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1942/probowl.htm live World War II caused a large impact to the NFL, with the league ending the all-star game after the 1942 NFL season due to wartime travel restrictions. Associated Press https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27650925/pro_bowl_game_approved_by_national_grid/ Pro Bowl Game Approved By National Grid League Newspapers.com The Palm Beach Post June 4, 1950 June 7, 2024 April 21, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190421080333/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27650925/pro_bowl_game_approved_by_national_grid/ live After the 1950 NFL season, the NFL instituted a new all-star game format, called the Pro Bowl. The new format saw two teams being constructed completely of all-stars, with each team having their rosters constructed from players from each conference. This format continued until the 2010s, when the NFL implemented a fantasy draft format for roster construction, removing the conference restrictions. https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/16/us/nfl-pro-bowl-fast-facts/index.html CNN.com NFL Pro Bowl Fast Facts January 26, 2024 September 26, 2022 January 26, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240126230001/https://www.cnn.com/2013/08/16/us/nfl-pro-bowl-fast-facts/index.html live In 2022, the Pro Bowl Games began, with the actual game being replaced by skills competitions and a flag football game. NFL announces 'The Pro Bowl Games' to replace tackle game with flag football, skills competitions https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-the-pro-bowl-games-to-replace-tackle-game-with-flag-football-skill NFL.com January 25, 2024 September 26, 2022 September 24, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230924150755/https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-the-pro-bowl-games-to-replace-tackle-game-with-flag-football-skill live References Category:Pro Bowl All-Star Game (January) National Football League All-Star Game (January) National Football League All-Star Game (January) Category:1940 in Los Angeles Category:Green Bay Packers games Category:NFL in Los Angeles Category:January 1940 sports events in the United States