By Darin Did you know the NFL Draft—the event that fuels the dreams of every college athlete—was born out of a desperate need for survival? On February 8, 1936, the league changed forever when Bert Bell’s vision for parity became a reality. This single date is a titan of transition: it marks the birth of the Kansas City Chiefs from the Dallas Texans, the controversial relocation of Art Modell’s franchise to Baltimore, and the arrival of legendary Hall of Famers like Heisman winner Bruce “Boo” Smith and Rod Franz. Dive into the archives to see how February 8th transformed the NFL from a monopoly into a masterpiece of competition.
Football History Timeline of February 8
February 8, 1936 – The first-ever NFL Draft took place, with Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago selected first by the Philadelphia Eagles. Before this inaugural draft, players could sign with any team they desired, a practice that caused significant disparity as franchises like the Bears and Giants held a monopoly on top talent. Bert Bell, owner of the Eagles and future NFL Commissioner, proposed the draft to bring parity to the league. Despite opposition from big-market teams, Bell convinced them it was essential for the league’s survival. On May 19, 1935, the plan to select players in inverse order of their finish was passed, setting the stage for the historic 1936 event.
February 8, 1960 – Oakland Raiders Co-owner Y.C. “Chet” Soda was named the franchise’s first general manager.
February 8, 1963 – The AFL’s Dallas Texans moved out of Texas and relocated to Missouri, becoming the Kansas City Chiefs.
February 8, 1996 – The NFL and the City of Cleveland allowed Art Modell to relocate his franchise to Baltimore, Maryland. As part of the agreement, the “Browns” nickname was separated from Modell’s franchise and remained in Cleveland for a future team.
February 8, 2004 – Aloha Stadium, Honolulu – St. Louis Rams quarterback Mark Bulger won the MVP Award for the NFL Pro Bowl after leading the NFC to a staggering 55-52 victory over the AFC.
February 8, 2009 – Aloha Stadium, Honolulu – In the 2008 season’s Pro Bowl, the National Conference again defeated the American Conference 30-21. The MVP was awarded to the Arizona Cardinals’ star wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald.
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX features the Seattle Seahawks facing the New England Patriots.
February 8 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Bruce P. Smith
- Rod Franz
- George Bork
- Dennis Onkotz
Conclusion
February 8th stands as the ultimate “moving day” in football lore. From the physical relocation of franchises that redefined the AFC to the structural relocation of talent through the very first NFL Draft, this date is defined by the evolution of the game’s identity. We celebrate the scoring magic of George Bork and the defensive grit of Dennis Onkotz, alongside the trailblazing Heisman season of Bruce “Boo” Smith. Whether through a historic draft pick or a franchise-altering move, February 8th reminds us that in football, change is the only constant on the path to greatness.
