Prior to the season, Baltimore Colts (I) owner Abraham Watner faced financial difficulties, and thus folded his team and gave its player contracts back to the league for $50,000.
Supporting groups such as its fan club and its marching band remained in operation and worked for the team's revival, which eventually led to a new, more lucrative Baltimore expansion team named the Colts in 1953.
Viewers coast-to-coast watched the Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cleveland Browns 24–17.
The 1951 NFL draft was held from January 18-19, 1951 at Chicago's Blackstone Hotel.
With the first pick, the New York Giants selected halfback Kyle Rote from Southern Methodist University.