The Paragon of NFL Finale Moments: The 1960 Eagles-Packers Championship Game

The NFL championship game is a spectacle that always invites a certain level of anticipation and excitement. Among the numerous nail-biting finales that have unfolded, one scene from the past remains etched in the annals of professional football history. The December 26, 1960, Eagles-Packers game at Franklin Field in Philadelphia not only secured a victory for the Philadelphia Eagles but also immortalized the legendary tackle by 'Concrete Chuck' Bednarik. In this exploration, we delve into the drama and heroics that defined that monumental game.

The Setting of a Championship Game

Candidate games for a perfect ending are not elusive. They require an exciting and often unexpected turn of events. The 1960 NFL championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles (then called the National Football League) and the Green Bay Packers fits this description perfectly. The two teams entered the game with a fierce desire to win, and it was left in the last moments for the final play to determine the victor.

Frank S. "Concrete Chuck" Bednarik: A Beacon of Strength

The Eagles relied heavily on their middle linebacker, Frank S. "Concrete Chuck" Bednarik, a man known for his bludgeoning tackles and ferocious demeanor. Born on July 1, 1919, in Philadelphia, Bednarik was famously named "Concrete" for his rocklike solidness on the field. He earned his nickname by being undefeated after giving up just one tackle in all 25 games of his college football career.

Having already built a fearsome reputation, Bednarik's story was further enhanced by his iconic tackle during the 1960 championship game. The Pack's Jim Taylor, the lead running back, was known for his agility and determination. By contrast, Bednarik brought with him a combination of raw strength and tactical acumen that would ensure no one could overpower him or take him out of play.

A Game in Question

By the time the 1960 championship game reached its penultimate moments, the game was incredibly close, with both teams engaged in an intense struggle for supremacy. However, it was clear that this was not just any game. The Eagles and Packers were both equally matched, adding lore to the history books and cementing the lore of a high-stakes climax.

The Final Play and Bednarik's Triumph

Until the final seconds, neither team had pulled ahead significantly. However, as the clock ticked down, the Packers supplied a last-ditch effort. Jim Taylor had the ball, and the stage was set for the moment that would define the entire championship game. In the blink of an eye, in the tenth and final minute of the fourth quarter, 'Concrete Chuck' Bednarik emerged with a decisive tackle that would signal the end of the game. With intense focus and a sudden burst of speed, Bednarik tackled Taylor to the ground and sat on top of him until the final seconds expired.

The scene is indelible. The Red granite Tate and Lyle scoreboard at Franklin Field, once silent, now started the clock that would end the game. The crackle of tension was palpable as Bednarik sat on Taylor, and the crowd held its collective breath in silence. It was an image that seared the memories of everyone present long after they had departed from where the dust of the field settled.

The Legacy of Bednarik's Tackle

Bednarik's tackle was more than just a play of the game; it was a statement of sheer dominance. He had done more than keep the game in check; in a single act, he underscored the unparalleled toughness and strength of the Philadelphia Eagles. His blaze of glory during the 1960 championship game propelled him further into the realm of a true football legend, both in his own time and for generations to come.

In Conclusion: Timeless Iconography

The 1960 Eagles-Packers championship game stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the triumph of classic American heroism. It is an event that continues to draw reverent attention and admiration from football fans and commentators across the world. When contemplating 'what is the best ending to an NFL championship game,' few stories resonate as profoundly as 'Concrete Chuck' Bednarik's definitive moment of heroism at Franklin Field. His tackle remains a beacon of excellence in sportsmanship and the enduring spirit of the NFL.