1943 NFL Draft

Explore the historic 1943 NFL Draft! Held amidst World War II, this April 8th event showcased how the league adapted to wartime. Discover the player selections and the unique circumstances shaping professional football during this pivotal era. A fascinating look at NFL history!

The 1943 NFL Draft, which took place on April 8th, occurred during the height of World War II, significantly impacting the league's operations and player pool. Many draftees were either already serving or would soon join the armed forces, leading to unique team-building strategies and roster uncertainties. This draft highlights the NFL's resilience during a challenging period in global history.

On April 8, 1943, the National Football League held its annual player draft at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The Detroit Lions, holding the first overall selection, chose halfback Frank Sinkwich from the University of Georgia. Notably, the 1943 draft stands out in NFL history as the only one that did not produce a future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In this draft, each of the league's ten teams made a total of 30 selections. To promote competitive balance, the five teams with the poorest records from the 1942 season were granted exclusive picks in the second and fourth rounds. Conversely, the five top-finishing teams were relegated to sole participation in the 31st and 32nd rounds.

The first round of the 1943 NFL Draft unfolded as follows: the Detroit Lions picked Frank Sinkwich (Halfback, Georgia); the Philadelphia Eagles selected Joe Muha (Fullback, VMI); the Chicago Cardinals chose Glenn Dobbs (Tailback, Tulsa); the Brooklyn Dodgers drafted Paul Governali (Quarterback, Columbia); and the Cleveland Rams picked Mike Holovak (Fullback, Boston College). Continuing the first round, the New York Giants selected Steve Filipowicz (Fullback, Fordham); the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Bill Daley (Fullback, Minnesota); the Green Bay Packers drafted Dick Wildung (Tackle, Minnesota); the Chicago Bears picked Bob Steuber (Halfback, Missouri); and finally, the Washington Redskins selected Jack Jenkins (Fullback, Vanderbilt).

So far, none of the selections from this draft have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.