The 1983 NFL Draft

The 1983 NFL Draft, held on April 26, 1983, stands as one of the most transformative and impactful drafts in NFL history. While every draft brings new talent into the league, the 1983 class was affluent in quarterback talent, and also produced several other Hall of Fame-caliber players at different positions.

✦ The 1983 NFL Draft was a historic event, delivering an unprecedented class of Hall of Fame quarterbacks and other legendary players who redefined the NFL.

The draft was headlined by the selection of quarterback John Elway from Stanford University by the Baltimore Colts with the first overall pick. As you noted, this selection was fraught with drama. Elway, considered the best quarterback prospect since Joe Namath, was very public about his desire not to play for the Colts. The Easton, Maryland Star-Democrat highlighted this drama the day after the draft with the headline “Elway’s Vow Not to Play for Colts Ignored.” The Colts and their head coach Frank Kush, according to reports, turned down multiple trade offers for the pick. Elway's agent threatened that he would forgo football for a baseball career with the New York Yankees. As the St. Joseph News-Press reported on May 2nd, the Colts eventually traded Elway to the Denver Broncos.

While the Elway saga dominated the headlines, the 1983 draft also featured other significant selections in the top
10. The Los Angeles Rams selected running back Eric Dickerson from SMU with the second overall pick. Dickerson went on to have a Hall of Fame career, known for his distinctive running style and incredible production. Curt Warner, a running back from Penn State, was selected third overall by the Seattle Seahawks and had a productive NFL career.

✦ Beyond the quarterbacks, the 1983 draft produced a remarkable number of future Hall of Famers, including:

✦ Jim Kelly, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills (Round 1, Pick 14)

✦ Dan Marino, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins (Round 1, Pick 27)

✦ Darrell Green, Cornerback, Washington Redskins (Round 1, Pick 28)

These quarterbacks, along with Elway, would go on to redefine the quarterback position and lead their respective franchises to great success. Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, Marino revolutionized passing offenses in Miami, and Elway became a legend in Denver, winning two Super Bowls. Darrell Green was renowned for his exceptional speed and longevity, earning him a place among the greatest cornerbacks of all time.

The impact of the 1983 draft extended beyond the first round. Players selected in later rounds also made significant contributions to the league. The depth of talent in this draft class is a testament to the quality of college football at the time and the scouting acumen of NFL teams.

In conclusion, the 1983 NFL Draft was a watershed moment in NFL history. It not only produced a remarkable class of quarterbacks but also yielded several other Hall of Fame players who shaped the league for more than a decade.