National Conference 27

American Conference 7

January 10, 1953

The 1953 Pro Bowl was once again held at the Coliseum in Los Angeles before 34,208 fans. And, once again, Cleveland’s Paul Brown was the coach of the American Conference squad. He faced off against Detroit Lions’ coach Buddy Parker. Parker’s Lions had beaten the Browns 17-7 in the 1952 NFL championship game.

The initial score of the game came when Leo Nomellini of the 49ers recovered Cleveland quarterback, Otto Graham’s fumble in the first quarter at the American 25 yard line. From the 13, the Rams’ Deacon Dan Towler tossed a 16 yard touchdown pass to 49er Hugh McIlhenny. It was halfback Towler’s first touchdown pass as a pro and was released impromptu just before he was dropped for a huge loss. On their next possession, Nationals’ Norm Van Brocklin of Los Angeles hit Packer Bill Howton for a 74 yard touchdown pass. The score was 14-0 at the half.

Detroit’s Pat Harder kicked a 15 yard field goal in the third quarter to push the lead to 17-0. Finally, in the fourth quarter, Graham rallied the Americans on a 15 play, 82 yard drive, carrying the ball in himself on a quarterback sneak. But, Bobby Layne of the Lions led the Nationals down the field again and set up Harder’s second field goal from 21 yards out. Late in the final quarter, the Bears’ Gene Schroeder intercepted a Graham pass and Layne connected with McIlhenny in the endzone on a 7 yard route with five minutes remaining. The final score was Nationals 27, Americans 7.

Detroit’s defensive back, Don Doll, was voted the MVP of the game. It was Buddy Parker’s fifth win in a row over Paul Brown since 1951. That streak included the NFL title game and the Pro Bowl.

Bears' Gene Schroeder intercepts Graham pass

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