before the 1935 season the nfl's roster limit was increased from 20 to 24 players. the giants filled the extra spots with players such as end tod goodwin, who played for coach greasy neale at west virginia university the previous season, and running back leland shaffer, another rookie, this time out of kansas state. newman retired rather than come back from his back injury when the team refused to raise his salary. goodwin led the league in receptions (26) and yards per catch (16.6), while finishing second behind the boston redskins charley malone in receiving yards (433–432), and danowski led the league in passing yards, passes attempted, and passes completed. they were unable to repeat as champions however, as they fell to the lions 26–7 in the nfl championship game. goodwin was knocked out for the game with two broken ribs early in the first quarter. the lions staked a 13-0 lead before the giants were able to cut the deficit to 13–7 in the third quarter. the lions defense helped their team score two late touchdowns with a blocked punt and an interception to give them the win.