The first NFA Championship was held at Manhattan Field in New York City, NY on December 10, 1939. The 12-0 NFA East Division Champions, the New York Lions, hosted the 11-1 NFA West Division Champions, the Cincinnati Buckeyes. New York and Cincinnati had played each other earlier in the season on November 12, 1939. The Lions handed the Buckeyes their only loss of the season by beating Cincinnati 28-10.
GAME SUMMARY
New York would never lose the lead in this game. Earl Johnson would score his first of 2 rushing touchdowns in the 2nd Quarter to give the Lions a 7-0 lead. New York's defense would also step up big in this game and hold Cincinnati to only 3 points at half time. Earl Johnson would score his second rushing touchdown in the 4th Quarter. His two rushing touchdowns would be the only 2 offensive touchdowns of the game. Arthur Sizemore would intercept a pass in the 4th Quarter and score a touchdown to give the Lions a 24-6 lead which would be the final score. NFA Commissioner William Hensley would present the Presidents Trophy to Lions Owner William Jansen.