What Is 1945 New York Giants football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1945 New York Giants football team was a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL) that finished the season with a 7-3 record, placing second in the Eastern Division. They did not qualify for the playoffs, which were won by the Cleveland Rams.

Key Facts

The 1945 New York Giants had a 7-3 win-loss record during the NFL regular season
They played their home games at the Polo Grounds in New York City
Steve Owen was the head coach for his 18th season with the team
The team scored 228 points, averaging 22.8 points per game
They finished second in the NFL's Eastern Division, behind the Washington Redskins

Overview

The 1945 New York Giants season marked the franchise's 21st year in the National Football League (NFL). Competing in the Eastern Division, the team showed strong performance under long-time head coach Steve Owen, who was in his 18th season at the helm. Despite a solid 7-3 record, the Giants missed the postseason due to the league's playoff structure at the time.

Playing their home games at the historic Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan, the Giants were known for their balanced offense and disciplined defense. The 1945 campaign came during World War II, which affected player availability and team rosters across the league. Nevertheless, New York remained competitive, finishing ahead of teams like the Brooklyn Tigers and Boston Yanks.

Record: The team finished with a 7-3 win-loss record, their best since 1939, demonstrating significant improvement over previous seasons.
Division Standing: They placed second in the NFL Eastern Division, trailing only the Washington Redskins, who advanced to the NFL Championship Game.
Scoring: The Giants scored 228 total points over 10 games, averaging a robust 22.8 points per game, ranking them among the league's top offenses.
Home Field: All home games were played at the Polo Grounds, a multi-purpose stadium also used by baseball's New York Giants.
Coach:Steve Owen continued as head coach, maintaining a consistent leadership style that emphasized fundamentals and team cohesion.

How It Works

The structure and operations of the 1945 New York Giants reflected standard NFL team organization of the era, with defined roles for coaching, player recruitment, and game strategy. The team adapted to wartime conditions, including player shortages due to military service.

Season Format: The NFL played a 10-game regular season in 1945; the Giants played seven games against Eastern Division opponents and three interdivisional contests.
Player Roster: The team relied on a mix of veterans and new signees, with key contributions from players like quarterback Frank Filchock and halfback Merle Hapes.
Game Strategy: Under Owen, the Giants employed the “A Formation”, a variation of the single-wing that emphasized power running and misdirection.
Travel & Scheduling: Teams traveled by train and bus; the Giants made trips to cities like Chicago, Washington, and Boston for away games.
Player Compensation: Salaries were modest; top players earned around $5,000 per season, with no formal pension or benefits system.
Media Coverage: Games were broadcast on radio via WHN, and local newspapers like the New York Herald Tribune provided in-depth coverage.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1945 New York Giants compared to other top teams in the NFL that season:

Team	Record	Division	Points For	Playoff Result
New York Giants	7-3	Eastern	228	Did not qualify
Washington Redskins	8-2	Eastern	208	Led league in wins
Chicago Cardinals	5-4-1	Western	165	Did not qualify
Cleveland Rams	9-1	Western	267	Won NFL Championship
Green Bay Packers	6-4	Western	187	Did not qualify

The table highlights that while the Giants had a strong record and high scoring output, they were narrowly edged out by Washington for the division title. The Cleveland Rams, who won the NFL title, had the league’s best record and most points, showcasing their dominance. The Giants’ 228 points ranked second only to Cleveland, underscoring their offensive strength despite falling short of the playoffs.

Why It Matters

The 1945 season is a notable chapter in the early history of the New York Giants, reflecting both the challenges and resilience of professional football during wartime. It illustrates how teams maintained competitiveness despite national upheaval.

Historical Context: The season occurred during World War II, with many players serving in the military, affecting team depth and league stability.
Legacy of Steve Owen: Owen’s leadership through the war years helped maintain the Giants’ relevance and set the stage for future success.
Evolution of the NFL: The 1945 season was part of the NFL’s transition toward becoming a major professional sports league in postwar America.
Competitive Balance: The close race in the Eastern Division showed growing parity, with only one game separating first and second place.
Media Growth: Radio broadcasts expanded the team’s reach, helping to grow the NFL’s national fan base.
Foundation for the Future: Strong performances like 1945 laid the groundwork for the Giants’ championship win in 1956.

The 1945 New York Giants may not have won a title, but their season exemplifies perseverance and the enduring appeal of professional football during a transformative era in American history.