Los Angeles and Chicago swapped Dante Magnani and Mike…
Los Angeles and Chicago swapped Dante Magnani and Mike Holovak in January 1947. Magnani gave the Rams 20 games, four starts, 322 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards over two seasons. Holovak gave the Bears 23 games, eight starts, 509 rushing yards, 149 receiving yards and three rushing touchdowns. Both players contributed, but Chicago received the larger and more productive two-year return.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Mike Holovak
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Dante Magnani
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On January 27, 1947, the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears exchanged veteran backs Dante Magnani and Mike Holovak. Because this was a direct player-for-player deal, the hindsight comparison can focus on what each man actually produced for his new club in the seasons immediately following the trade.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received Magnani. He appeared in 12 games with three starts in 1947 and eight games with one start in 1948. Across those two Rams seasons he rushed for 322 yards and added 85 receiving yards, with two receiving touchdowns. That is a legitimate multi-season return, but Magnani remained more of a complementary contributor than a central offensive piece.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago received Holovak. He appeared in 23 games with eight starts across 1947 and 1948. He rushed for 509 yards, added 149 receiving yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. Holovak's two-year Bears production exceeded Magnani's in games, starts and scrimmage output, making Chicago's side of the exchange more valuable on the field.
Value in Hindsight
The old even verdict was understandable because both players contributed and neither side was left empty-handed. Researching the actual post-trade production, however, reveals a meaningful but still moderate gap. Holovak generated 658 yards from scrimmage and more starts for Chicago, compared with 407 scrimmage yards from Magnani for Los Angeles. That difference is enough to break the tie without turning the trade into a lopsided result.
Final Verdict
Chicago receives B- and Los Angeles receives C+. The Bears win narrowly because Holovak provided the more productive two-season return, while Magnani still gave the Rams useful depth and offense. The result credits both players while recognizing Chicago's stronger post-trade production.