The "Shamrock Bowl" was promoted by Texas oilman Glenn McCarthy, who had been seeking a Houston franchise in either the AAFC or NFL.
A disappointing crowd of 10,000 braved a rainstorm to watch the final AAFC game, in which the All-Stars defeat the Browns, 12–7.
One of the NFL's most formidable competitors, the AAFC attracted many of the nation's best players, produced one of pro football's greatest teams, and introduced many lasting innovations to the game.
A major factor in the league's demise was its domination by the Cleveland Browns, who compiled a four-year record of 52-4-3 and won all four AAFC titles.
The NFL played an all-star game following the 1938 through 1942 seasons, but abandoned the series in the midst of World War II.