1943 would prove to be a challenging year to field an NFL roster. World War II would require the service of many players throughout the league. Forty-five Bears players would serve in the armed services during the war. The Bears were so depleted they even reached out to Bronko Nagurksi, who had recently retired and was running a farm in Minnesota. The Bronk would oblige, and he proved integral to the championship.
The Bears would again face the Washington Redskins in the championship game. Nearing the conclusion of the the first half, Bears interim coach Ralph Brizzolara (George Halas was serving in the Navy.), noticed someone on his bench out of uniform. After closer inspection, Brizzolara learned that George Marshall, owner of the Redskins, had thought it acceptable to enjoy the game from the Bears' bench. Knowing Marshall was up to no good, Brizzolara asked the equipment manager to remove Marshall from the Bears' sidelines. Marshall climbed into the nearby stands. However, when approached by an usher, he was unable to produce a ticket stub. Two policeman needed to be called to escort Marshall out of the stadium. Just before he was kicked out of the stadium, he was able to convince the police of his identity, and he returned to the Redskins' sidelines.
Halas took leave from the Navy to be in attendance at Wrigley Field for the big game. He had to be impressed with what he saw. The Bears would lead the entire game. Bears quarterback Sid Luckman would throw five touchdowns, and Nagurksi would score the final touchdown of his career.
Inside Richard Whittingham's The Chicago Bears, you'll find great photographs including one of Nagurski playing cards in the locker room prior to the championship game.
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