By Darin The 1987 NFL Draft remains a cornerstone of pro football history, marking the arrival of a Heisman-winning signal-caller who would defy Father Time and a legendary defensive back who would rewrite the record books. On April 28, 1987, the league’s landscape shifted as franchises sought to find the foundational pieces that would define the next two decades of play.
Draft Storyline
On April 28, 1987, the NFL Draft took place, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used their first overall pick to select University of Miami quarterback Vinny Testaverde. Vinnie T. had a really nice, long career in the League, playing for 21 seasons through 2007, wearing the uniforms of seven different franchises, and throwing for over 46,000 yards and 275 TDs.
Testaverde is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but one of his classmates from this Draft of ‘87 does own a Gold Jacket. Purdue corner Rod Woodson, who was the 10th overall pick by Pittsburgh. Woodson played 17 seasons himself in the NFL, picking off 71 passes in the process and scoring 15 TDs between the interceptions, fumbles, and kick returns.
A Legacy of Longevity
The 1987 class is defined by incredible endurance. While Testaverde’s journey through seven different franchises made him a household name for over twenty years, Rod Woodson’s transition from a lockdown corner to a ball-hawking safety cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the secondary. Whether it was the sheer statistical volume of “Vinnie T” or the game-breaking versatility of Woodson, the impact of this April afternoon in 1987 resonated in the NFL for a generation.
Complete List of Players in the NFL Draft
Special thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com
