The First NFL Draft | The 1936 NFL Draft

The 1936 National Football League Draft was the first draft of the National Football League. It took place on February 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The draft was instituted in an effort to end bidding wars among teams of college players entering the league. This was the only draft to have nine rounds; the number increased to ten for the 1937 draft. The first player ever drafted, Jay Berwanger, who had previously been awarded the initial Heisman Trophy, never played in the NFL. His rights were traded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Chicago Bears, as the Eagles felt they would be unable to meet Berwanger's reported demand of $1000 per game. The Eagles received tackle Art Buss from the Bears who lasted four years in the NFL as an offensive tackle in exchange for Berwanger's rights. George Halas was unable to convince Berwanger to sign with the Bears. Riley Smith, the second pick, was the first player drafted to play in the NFL. Stanford had the most players drafted with seven players from this class.

There are four HOFers to be drafted from the first NFL Draft class. Dan Fortmann, who was an offensive guard from Colgate taken 9th round 78th overall by the Chicago Bears. Playing for Chicago from 1936 to 1943, he was selected as an All-Pro for seven consecutive years from 1937 to 1943. He was the Bears' team captain starting in 1940 and led the team to NFL championships in 1940, 1941, and 1943.Inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1965. 


Joe Stydahar, tackle from West Virginia taken 1st round 6th overall by the Chicago Bears. Played nine seasons for the Bears from 1936 to 1942 and 1945 to 1946. He was selected as a first-team All-Pro five consecutive years from 1936 to 1940 and helped the Bears win NFL championships in 1940, 1942, and 1946 NFL Championship Games. After his playing career ended, Stydahar was the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams during the 1950 and 1951 seasons and the Chicago Cardinals during the 1953 and 1954 seasons. His 1950 and 1951 Rams teams both advanced to the NFL Championship Game, and the 1951 team won the championship. Inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1967. 


Wayne Millner, end from Notre Dame taken 8th round 65th overall by the Boston Redskins. He was a major component to winning a league championship. After losing to the Green Bay Packers in the title game in 1936, the franchise moved to Washington, D.C. in 1937 and defeated the Chicago Bears 28–21 to win the title. Millner played a big role in the victory, catching touchdown passes of 55 and 78 yards from Sammy Baugh. His clutch plays is a big reason why he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1968. 

Alphonse "Tuffy" Leemans, back from George Washington University taken 2nd Round 18th overall by the New York Giants. One of the premier backs of his era. Led the league in rushing yards as a rookie at fullback. Was selected as a first-team All-Pro in 1936 and 1939. He was also selected to play in the Pro Bowl in 1938 and 1941 and helped lead the Giants to the 1938 NFL Championship and the 1939 and 1941 NFL Championship Games. Was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1978.

Besides these four great players many of the other players had either mediocre careers or decided to not play a single down in the NFL which is unheard of in today's game. The draft has become one of the biggest sports events of the year every year but it had its humble beginnings in a hotel in Philadelphia.