What Is 1927 Dayton Triangles football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1927 Dayton Triangles were a professional football team based in Dayton, Ohio, finishing the season with a 1–6–1 record in the National Football League (NFL), marking their final year before relocating and becoming the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1930.

Key Facts

The 1927 Dayton Triangles finished with a 1–6–1 record in the NFL
They played their home games at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio
The team scored only 26 points across eight games in the 1927 season
Head coach was Dewey Scanlon, who took over mid-season
The franchise relocated to Brooklyn in 1930 and became the Dodgers

Overview

The 1927 Dayton Triangles were a professional American football team based in Dayton, Ohio, competing in the National Football League (NFL) during its early developmental years. The season marked one of the franchise's final chapters before relocation, reflecting both the challenges of small-market teams and the evolving structure of professional football in the late 1920s.

As a founding NFL team in 1920, the Triangles had once been competitive, but by 1927, declining attendance and financial strain weakened their position. The 1927 season underscored their struggles, culminating in a poor record and eventual franchise move just a few years later.

Record: The team finished the 1927 season with a 1–6–1 win-loss-tie record, placing them near the bottom of the 12-team NFL standings.
Home Field: They played their home games at Triangle Park, a modest wooden stadium in Dayton that seated approximately 5,000 fans.
Scoring: The offense struggled, scoring only 26 points over eight games, averaging just over 3 points per game.
Head Coach: Dewey Scanlon served as head coach for part of the season, taking over after previous coaching changes disrupted team continuity.
Franchise Fate: After the 1929 season, the team moved to Brooklyn and was renamed the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1930, ending Dayton’s NFL era.

Season Performance

The 1927 campaign was defined by inconsistency, weak offensive output, and frequent roster turnover common in early NFL seasons. Games were often low-scoring, and the Triangles failed to adapt to the increasingly competitive league landscape.

September 25 game: Lost 0–13 to the Columbus Tigers in their season opener, setting a tone of offensive ineptitude.
October 2: Suffered a 0–54 defeat to the Chicago Bears, one of the most lopsided losses in franchise history.
October 16: Secured their only win by defeating the Cleveland Bulldogs 13–12 in a tightly contested matchup.
October 30: Tied the Providence Steam Roller 7–7, one of two ties that season due to inconsistent scheduling and rules.
November 6: Lost 0–31 to the Frankford Yellow Jackets, highlighting the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Player Turnover: Rosters changed frequently, with over 20 different players appearing in games due to injuries and financial instability.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1927 Dayton Triangles to other NFL teams that season reveals their struggles in context.

Team	Record (W-L-T)	Points For	Points Against	Final Standing
Dayton Triangles	1–6–1	26	105	11th
Chicago Bears	9–3–0	144	88	3rd
Providence Steam Roller	8–2–2	122	65	2nd
Cleveland Bulldogs	1–8–0	23	121	12th
New York Giants	11–1–2	190	57	1st

The table shows that while the Triangles outperformed only the Cleveland Bulldogs in wins, their point differential of –79 indicated deep systemic issues. Unlike dominant teams like the New York Giants, who led the league in both scoring and defense, Dayton lacked both talent depth and financial backing to compete consistently.

Why It Matters

The 1927 Dayton Triangles represent a transitional moment in NFL history, illustrating the difficulties faced by small-city teams in sustaining professional football operations. Their decline foreshadowed the league’s eventual shift toward larger markets and more stable franchises.

Historical Significance: As one of the NFL’s original 1920 charter members, the Triangles helped establish the league’s foundational presence.
Relocation Precedent: Their move to Brooklyn set an early example of franchise relocation driven by economic necessity.
Financial Challenges: Low attendance and revenue in Dayton highlighted the financial fragility of early professional football.
Evolution of the NFL: The team’s struggles contributed to league-wide reforms in scheduling, revenue sharing, and franchise stability.
Legacy: Dayton’s role is commemorated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing their contribution to the sport’s growth.
Cultural Impact: The Triangles helped popularize football in Ohio, paving the way for future NFL and college football success in the region.

Though the 1927 season was forgettable in terms of wins, the Dayton Triangles remain a key part of NFL history, symbolizing both the sport’s humble beginnings and its path toward national prominence.