- Dec 1 Jacqueline Hansen runs female world record marathon (2:43:54.5)
- Dec 2 Cowhide, rather than just horsehide, can be used to make baseballs
- Dec 5 1st Wash Cap penalty shot, Tom Williams unsuccessful vs Buff Sabres
- Dec 5 NFL's Seattle Seahawks forms
- Dec 5 Tom Williams is unsuccessful on Wash Capitals 1st NHL penalty shot
- Dec 5 Birmingham Americans defeat the Florida Blazers 22-21 in the WFL's World Bowl
- Dec 8 Sandra Post wins LPGA Colgate Far East Golf Open
- Dec 14 Viv Richards scores 1st Test Cricket ton 192 v India 20 fours 6 sixes
- Dec 19 Dave Kryskow scores Washington Capitals 1st NHL shorthanded goal
Event of Interest
Dec 22 Phil Esposito, Boston, became 6th NHLer to score 500 goals
Phil Esposito
- Dec 24 Cardinals' Lou Brock is named Sportsman of the Year
- Dec 26 Washington Capitals 1st NHL sellout
- Dec 27 40th Heisman Trophy Award: Archie Griffin, Ohio State (RB)
- Dec 28 4th Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State beats #17 BYU, 16-6
- Dec 29 AFC Championship Game: Pittsburgh Steelers beat Oakland Raiders 24-13
- Dec 29 NFC Championship Game: Minnesota Vikings beat Los Angeles Rams 14-10
- Dec 31 NY Yankees sign Jim "Catfish" Hunter for 5 yrs for a record $3.75 million
- Dec 31 41st Sugar Bowl: #8 Nebraska beats #18 Florida, 13-10