1946 Los Angeles Dons season – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**1946 Los Angeles Dons Season**

The 1946 Los Angeles Dons season was the inaugural campaign for the team in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). The Dons finished with a 7–5–2 record, placing third in the AAFC West Division and missing the playoffs.

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## 1946 Los Angeles Dons Season

The 1946 season marked the debut of the Los Angeles Dons as a professional football franchise in the newly formed All-America Football Conference (AAFC). Established as one of the league’s original teams, the Dons competed in the AAFC’s Western Division alongside the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Rockets. The team played its home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and sought to establish a foothold in the competitive Los Angeles sports market, which already included the National Football League’s (NFL) Los Angeles Rams.

### Background and Formation

The Los Angeles Dons were founded in 1946 as part of the AAFC, a rival professional football league created to challenge the NFL’s dominance. The AAFC aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of professional football in the United States, particularly in markets underserved by the NFL. Los Angeles was a key target due to its large population and the recent relocation of the Rams from Cleveland to Los Angeles in 1946, making the city the first west coast market to host professional football.

The Dons were owned by a group led by businessman and sports promoter Ben Lindheimer. The team’s name, “Dons,” was chosen to reflect the Spanish heritage of Southern California and to evoke a sense of regional identity.

### Team Management and Coaching Staff

The Dons were coached by Mel Hein, a former NFL player and Hall of Fame center who had played for the New York Giants. Hein was hired to bring professional experience and leadership to the fledgling franchise. The coaching staff focused on building a competitive team through a combination of veteran players and promising rookies.

### Roster and Key Players

The 1946 Los Angeles Dons roster featured a mix of talent acquired through the AAFC draft, free agency, and player signings. Notable players included:

– **Charlie O’Rourke (Quarterback):** A skilled passer and leader on offense, O’Rourke was instrumental in directing the Dons’ attack.
– **John Kimbrough (Fullback):** Known for his powerful running style, Kimbrough was a key component of the ground game.
– **Joe Aguirre (End):** A reliable receiver and blocker, Aguirre contributed significantly to the passing offense.
– **Bill Daley (Halfback):** A versatile back who contributed both as a runner and receiver.
– **Alphonse “Tuffy” Leemans (Back):** A veteran player who brought experience to the backfield.

The team’s roster also included several players with NFL experience, which helped the Dons compete against established teams in the AAFC.

### Season Overview

The Los Angeles Dons played a 14-game schedule during the 1946 AAFC season. The team opened its campaign with a mixture of wins, losses, and ties, reflecting the challenges of building cohesion in a new franchise. The Dons finished the season with a 7–5–2 record, placing third in the AAFC West Division behind the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers.

#### Regular Season Performance

– **Offense:** The Dons’ offense was balanced, utilizing both the passing and running games. Quarterback Charlie O’Rourke led the passing attack, while John Kimbrough and Bill Daley provided a strong rushing presence.
– **Defense:** The defense was competitive but struggled at times against the high-powered offenses of division rivals, particularly the Browns.
– **Special Teams:** The team’s kicking and return units contributed to field position battles but were not dominant.

#### Notable Games

– **Season Opener:** The Dons’ first game was a closely contested match that set the tone for the season’s competitive nature.
– **Matchups Against the Browns:** The Cleveland Browns, led by coach Paul Brown, were the dominant team in the AAFC. The Dons faced the Browns twice and were unable to secure a victory, highlighting the gap between the teams.
– **Rivalry with the 49ers:** Games against the San Francisco 49ers were highly anticipated and drew significant local interest, as both teams represented California.

### Standings and Playoffs

The Dons’ 7–5–2 record placed them third in the AAFC West Division. The Cleveland Browns won the division with a dominant record, followed by the San Francisco 49ers. Only the top teams qualified for the playoffs, and the Dons’ third-place finish meant they did not advance to the postseason.

### Attendance and Fan Support

Playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Dons attracted a moderate fan base in their inaugural season. Attendance figures varied, with higher turnout for games against popular opponents such as the Browns and 49ers. The presence of the NFL’s Rams in the same city created competition for fans and media attention.

### Legacy and Impact

Although the Los Angeles Dons did not achieve playoff success in 1946, their establishment contributed to the growth of professional football on the West Coast. The AAFC’s presence in Los Angeles helped pave the way for the eventual merger of the AAFC and NFL in 1950, which integrated several AAFC teams into the NFL.

The Dons’ inaugural season demonstrated the viability of professional football in Los Angeles and contributed to the city’s long-term status as a major football market. The team’s competitive performance laid the foundation for subsequent seasons, although the franchise ultimately folded after the 1949 season.

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## 1946 Los Angeles Dons Season Summary

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## Conclusion

The 1946 Los Angeles Dons season was a significant chapter in the history of professional football in Los Angeles and the AAFC. As a new franchise in a competitive league, the Dons showed promise and competitiveness, finishing with a winning record in their first year. While they did not reach the playoffs, the team’s efforts helped establish professional football on the West Coast and contributed to the eventual integration of AAFC teams into the NFL.

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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 1946 Los Angeles Dons season was the team’s inaugural campaign in the All-America Football Conference, finishing with a 7–5–2 record and placing third in the AAFC West Division. This article details the team’s formation, season performance, key players, and legacy.