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 turning point: 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 as Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago was the first pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. Before this inaugural draft, players could sign with any team they desired, a practice that caused great 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 the state of Texas and relocated to Missouri to become 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 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
February 8, 1920 – Faribault, Minnesota – Birth of Minnesota Golden Gopher halfback Bruce “Boo” Smith. Famous for his dramatic long runs, Smith led Minnesota to consecutive national titles in 1940 and 1941. He capped his collegiate career by winning the Heisman Trophy in 1941 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
February 8, 1925 – Birth of University of California guard Rod Franz. Franz became only the second Pacific Coast player to be named a three-time All-American, helping turn Cal into a national contender. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
February 8, 1942 – Mount Prospect, Illinois – Birth of George Bork, the prolific Northern Illinois quarterback. Bork led the nation in total offense and passing in 1962 and 1963 after NIU installed the Shotgun Spread formation. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
February 8, 1948 – Northampton, Pennsylvania – Birth of Penn State linebacker Dennis Onkotz. A two-time All-American (1968, 1969), Onkotz was a versatile force who recorded 11 interceptions and served as an electric punt returner. He was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
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.
