National Conference 30

American Conference 13

January 12, 1952

In 1952, the coaching faces at the Pro Bowl were the same as Paul Brown and Joe Stydahar squared off for the second year in a row. But, the roles were reversed. National Conference coach Stydahar was the coach of the NFL champion Rams and American coach Brown’s Browns were that year’s runner-up. A constant downpour reduced the crowd to a disappointing 19,400 at the Coliseum in Los Angeles.

The game was dominated by Stydahar’s National team who did not allow the Americans a first down in the second half and none rushing on the day. In the first half, Otto Graham led the American Conference on a drive passing to Browns teammate Dub Jones for a 44 yard score. Bob Waterfield kicked a 30 yard field goal and the score was 7-3 after one quarter. In the second quarter, Lou Groza kicked field goals of 45 and 11 yards. Just before the end of the period, National’s quarterback Norm Van Brocklin of the Rams hit Gordon Soltau of the 49ers on a two yard scoring pass. The halftime score was Americans 13, Nationals 10.

The third period was scoreless then the roof collapsed for the Americans. Fullback Kaye Dottley of the Bears plunged over form two yards out. Leo Nomellini of the 49ers recovered one of Sammy Baugh’s 4 fumbles and galloped 20 yards to pay dirt bring the score to 23-13. On the last play of the game, Detroit’s Doak Walker passed for 7 yards to Elroy Hirsch for the final score. The final was 30-13. Deacon Dean Towler, Los Angeles halfback, carried 17 times for 72 yards and was voted the MVP

Otto Graham and Dub Jones during practice (Graham family photo)

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