Held February 8, 1936 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia
On May 19, 1935, the NFL club owners approved a plan devised by future Commissioner Bert Bell. The idea called for a draft whereby the weaker teams would have the first choice at top college prospects. The teams would draft in reverse order of their finish with the league champions from the previous season picking last. The first NFL draft was held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia on Feb. 8, 1936. Since that time, there has been a college draft held every year resulting in a competitively balanced league. The first-ever Heisman Trophy winner, Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago, was the first player ever taken in an NFL draft. The Eagles selected the halfback but traded his rights to the Bears. Considering pro football wasn't a very lucrative career in 1936, Berwanger never played in the NFL. First Round, 1936 Hall of Famers Taken in 1936 NFL Draft |
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Hall of Fame tackle Joe Stydahar is the first player ever drafted that later earned a bust in Canton.
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As someone deeply immersed in the history of the NFL and its evolution, let's dive into the fascinating origins of the NFL draft and the key figures involved. The inaugural NFL draft, held on February 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia, was a groundbreaking moment orchestrated by none other than future Commissioner Bert Bell.
Bert Bell, a visionary among NFL club owners, proposed a draft system designed to promote competitive balance. The essence of his plan was to allow weaker teams to have the first choice at top college prospects, thereby leveling the playing field. This draft would operate in reverse order of the teams' previous season's finish, with the reigning champions picking last. Bell's foresight laid the foundation for what has become an annual tradition, shaping the competitive landscape of the league.
The first-ever Heisman Trophy winner, Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago, holds the distinction of being the first player selected in an NFL draft. Picked by the Philadelphia Eagles, his rights were later traded to the Chicago Bears. Interestingly, despite being the top pick, Berwanger never played in the NFL, highlighting the different dynamics of professional football in 1936 compared to today.
Now, let's break down the first-round selections from the 1936 NFL draft:
- Philadelphia Eagles - Jay Berwanger, B, Chicago
- Boston Redskins – Riley Smith, B, Alabama
- Pittsburgh Pirates - Bill Shakespeare, B, Notre Dame
- Brooklyn Dodgers - Dick Crayne, B, Iowa
- Chicago Cardinals - Jim Lawrence, B, TCU
- Chicago Bears - Joe Stydahar, T, West Virginia
- Green Bay Packers - Russ Letlow, G, San Francisco
- Detroit Lions - Sid Wagner, G, Michigan State
- New York Giants - Art Lewis, T, Ohio U.
Examining the Hall of Famers taken in the 1936 NFL draft sheds light on the long-lasting impact of that historic event:
- Joe Stydahar, Tackle, West Virginia – 1st round (6th overall) by the Chicago Bears
- Tuffy Leemans, Back, George Washington – 2nd Round (18th overall) by the New York Giants
- Wayne Millner, End, Notre Dame – 8th round (65th overall) by the Boston Redskins
- Dan Fortmann, Guard, Colgate - 9th round (78th overall) by the Chicago Bears
Notably, Joe Stydahar stands out as the first player drafted in NFL history to earn a place in the prestigious Canton Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in the league's legacy.
In essence, the 1936 NFL draft marked a pivotal moment in shaping the NFL landscape, laying the groundwork for a tradition that continues to define the league's competitive balance to this day.
