The 1958 National Football League Championship Game was played on December 28, 1958 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. It was the first ever National Football League (NFL) game to go into sudden death overtime. The final score was Baltimore Colts 23, New York Giants 17. The game has since become widely known as The Greatest Game Ever Played. Barnidge, Tom. blank">1958 Colts remember the 'Greatest Game', nfl.com, reprinted from Official _Super Bowl XXXIII Game Program, accessed March 21, 2007. The game was the 26th annual NFL championship game.
The game marked the beginning of the NFL's popularity surge, and eventual rise to the top of the United States sports market. A major reason was that the game was televised across the nation by NBC . Colts receiver Raymond Berry recorded 12 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown. His 12 receptions are a championship record that stands to this day.
