Football History

The NFL Draft. It's a spectacle ingrained in the American sports calendar, a night filled with anticipation, analysis, and franchise-altering decisions. But how did this behemoth of an event come to be? Buckle up, football fans, because we're embarking on a journey through the rich history of the NFL Draft.

This series will delve into the fascinating evolution of the draft, from its humble beginnings in a smoky hotel conference room to the multi-day extravaganza it is today. We'll explore the rule changes, the draft day dramas, and the iconic moments that have cemented the draft's place in NFL lore. Get ready to meet the visionaries who shaped the draft, the surprise picks that shocked the world, and the legendary players who were selected with hopes of gridiron glory.

So, whether you're a seasoned draft enthusiast or a curious newcomer, join us as we uncover the stories behind the selections, the strategies, and the legacies built on the foundation of the NFL Draft.

The Tennessee Titans, with their loyal "Titan Up" fans and electrifying atmosphere at Nissan Stadium, boast a vibrant present. But their history isn't confined to Nashville; it stretches back to the Texan soil of Houston, where they were once known as the Oilers. Let's delve into the fascinating journey that led to the birth of the Titans we know today.

Houston Oilers: Birth, Struggles, and Stardom (1960-1996):

Born in 1960 as one of the eight original American Football League (AFL) teams, the Houston Oilers experienced early struggles. Despite boasting talent like quarterback George Blanda and the dynamic duo of Earl Campbell and Dan Pastorini, playoff appearances were scarce. It wasn't until the arrival of coach Bum Phillips in 1975 that the team truly found its footing. His aggressive "Luv Ya Blue" philosophy resonated with Houston fans, and "The Big Train" Campbell's rushing dominance led the Oilers to consecutive AFC Championship appearances in 1978 and 1979.

However, financial instability loomed throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Despite brief flashes of brilliance with quarterback Warren Moon, the Oilers couldn't recapture their earlier success. Facing increasing debt and stadium issues, owner Bud Adams shocked the city by announcing the team's relocation to Nashville in 1997.

Tennessee Oilers: New City, New Identity (1997-1998):

The arrival of the Oilers in Nashville was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. The city had no NFL history, and many questioned the sustainability of a professional team. However, the Oilers, now rechristened the "Tennessee Oilers" for one season, embraced their new identity. Steve McNair and Eddie George emerged as offensive stars, leading the team to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 1999, where they fell to the St. Louis Rams.

Birth of the Titans: A New Era Dawns (1999-Present):

Recognizing the need for a local brand, the team officially became the Tennessee Titans in 1999. The McNair era continued, bringing stability and playoff appearances, but the elusive Super Bowl trophy remained out of reach. In 2006, the drafting of Vince Young sparked new hope. His electrifying play led the Titans to another Super Bowl appearance in 2008, but they came up short against the Indianapolis Colts.

More years of inconsistency followed, with coaching changes and struggles to find a franchise quarterback. However, the arrival of Ryan Tannehill in 2019 proved to be a turning point. Tannehill's leadership, coupled with the emergence of Derrick Henry, a dominant running back nicknamed "The King," propelled the Titans back into contention. Their powerful offense and stingy defense led them to the AFC Championship game in 2020, igniting excitement among fans.

The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been around for decades, but their origin story packs a punch. Established in 1993 as an expansion team alongside the Carolina Panthers, they filled the void left by the departed Houston Oilers, injecting a shot of excitement into the Florida football scene.

Their arrival wasn't without challenges. Securing funding and building a fanbase in a market already saturated with college football giants like the Gators and Seminoles required strategic planning and community engagement. The iconic teal and black color scheme, inspired by the state's natural beauty, resonated with locals, fostering a sense of regional pride.

The Jaguars found their first star in Head Coach Tom Coughlin, who instilled a culture of discipline and hard work. An early center piece was Hall of Fame Left Tackle Tony Boselli. Early success followed, with playoff appearances in each of their second through fifth seasons, fueled by the dynamic duo of quarterback Mark Brunell and wide receiver Keenan McCardell. Their "Sacksonville" defense, led by Tony Brackens and Kevin Hardy, struck fear into opposing quarterbacks.

Despite early promise, the franchise faced hurdles. Ownership changes, coaching inconsistencies, and struggles to find a franchise quarterback hampered their ability to recapture previous glory. However, they remain a dedicated presence in Jacksonville, boasting a passionate fanbase and actively engaging in community initiatives.

The Jaguars' story is still being written. With young stars like Trevor Lawrence emerging and a renewed commitment to excellence, they aim to roar back and solidify their place as a force in the NFL. Their origin, rooted in expansion and innovation, reminds us that even young teams can build legacies through dedicated leadership, community engagement, and the unwavering passion of their fans.

August 27, 1921 - The Green Bay Packers were admitted into the APFA (predecessor of the NFL) as J.E. Clair of Green Bay's ACME Packing Company was granted a franchise.

The City of Green Bay's population was just over 31,000, making the Packers the second smallest town to have an NFL franchise, next to only Tonawanda (see below). The Packers had to play almost exclusively on the road in larger cities where attendance could be expected to give a better count at the gates, thus giving the Green Bay team a larger cut in revenue than they could expect at home.

The 1921 season was shakey at best for the franchise as games were scheduled weekly by the home teams, who predominantly scheduled opponents by what attendance they could expect to draw.

The Packers are still in the smallest NFL market, but their fan base is one of the more popular teams of fans around the world.

August 1, 1925 - The New York Giants franchise forms and starts it's long rich history in the NFL. As we discussed on the July 29 edition of this series, Tim Mara founded the Giants organization when on advice from then NFL president, Joe Carr, Mara bet on the NFL with $500 of his own money to fund the NY Football Giants and later infuse another $25,000 to ensure its survival.

The gamble paid off for Mr. Mara as he watched his investment payoff according to the ProFootballHOF.com. A wise investment indeed as in December of the first season more than 70,000 onlookers turned out at the Polo Grounds to see the Giants play the Chicago Bears, who had just signed Illinois College sensation, Red Grange, the most famous pro football player of the 1920s.

The franchise has seen four NFL Championships (1927, 1934, 1938 & 1956) and four Super Bowl Victories {XXI(1986), XXV (1990), XLII (2007) & XLVI (2011)}.

The roar of the "12th Man" wasn't always a feature of Seattle's sports scene. In fact, the yearning for a major league football franchise fueled the very arrival of the Seattle Seahawks.

Discontent with the lack of professional football began brewing in the late 1950s. Dreams of a "dome city" with a professional football team gained traction as discussions about constructing a multi-purpose stadium commenced. By 1972, a group of Seattle business and community leaders formed "Seattle Professional Football Inc." with the sole purpose of acquiring an NFL franchise.

Their persistence paid off. Fueled by a civic suggestion campaign that garnered over 20,000 entries for team names, the NFL awarded Seattle its 28th franchise in 1974. The winning entry, "Seahawks," reflected the city's connection to the Pacific Northwest.

June 4, 1974- Seattle Seahawks franchise forms after almost 20 years of planning, plotting and applying. Finally on this date in 1974 the NFL granted access into the league and the Pacific Northwest gained foot hold in professional football as an expansion team.

From 1977 to 2001, Seattle was assigned to the American Football Conference West. In 2002 and beyond after NFL realignment, the Hawks went into the NFC West. The team has played in 3 Super Bowls and raised the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLVIII under the coaching of Pete Carroll.

The Seahawks' arrival wasn't without its challenges. As an expansion team, they initially struggled to find their footing. However, the city's enthusiasm remained. The "Kingdome," the aforementioned multi-purpose stadium, became a sea of blue and green, laying the foundation for the passionate fanbase the Seahawks boast today.

The founding of the Seattle Seahawks is a testament to community spirit and perseverance. It's a story born out of fan frustration that ultimately ignited a city's love affair with professional football. From those early days, the Seahawks have become an integral part of Seattle's identity, their legacy forever intertwined with the city's vibrant sports culture.

July 9, 1933 - The Frankford Yellow Jackets are sold and renamed the Eagles as the franchise is moved to Philadelphia, according to our interview with the legendary Upton Bell on our February 25 bonus podcast in tribute to his father, former NFL Commissioner Bert Bell.

Upton shared that his father and mother, Broadway starlet Francis Upton, walked into a Philadelphia bankruptcy courtroom and walked out owning the Yellow Jackets. Upton told us that since his father lost most of his wealth in the 1929 stock market crash, his new bride provided the funds to purchase the newly named team in the City of Brotherly Love. During a walk shortly there, they passed a sign advertising the purchase of U.S. Liberty Bonds, adorned with America's national bird. Bert Bell then looked at his new bride and said something to the effect, that is it! Our new team will be called the Eagles!

The Bells owned the Eagles until 1940 when the famous "Pennsylvania Polka" occurred. Bert Bell and Steelers owner Art Rooney did a series of transactions where, in the end, Rooney and Bell were co-owners of the Steelers. Alexis Thompson purchased the Eagles.

July 8, 1933, then National Football League President Joe Carr announced via a newsletter that Art Rooney Sr. was approved to join the 10-team league in the fall of 1933 to fill a vacancy caused by the withdrawal of the Staten Island franchise.

Rooney named his franchise the Pittsburgh Pirates in honor of the Steel City's Major League Baseball team. The team had to play early and nighttime weekday games until a new Pennsylvania law allowed them to play on Sundays.

The Pirates that day lost their first game in the League 23-2 to the New York Football Giants at old Forbes Field. It would take the upstart team only a short time to find victory, though, as the very next week, the Pittsburgh Professional Football Club defeated the Chicago Cardinals 14-13 in the friendly confines of Forbes Field. In the early 1940s Rooney changed the team moniker to the Steelers. NFL Team origin

July 9, 1932 - Boston Braves/Redskins/ Washington Redskins franchise is granted by the NFL. A group headed by George Preston Marshall that included Vincent Bendix, Jay O'Brien and Dorland Doyle were given the remnants of the defunct Newark Tornadoes that folded at the end of the 1930 season according to the SportsTeamHistory.com website.

The professional rights of the franchise go further back than that even. According to Wikipedia, in 1929 Ole Haugsrud, the owner of Duluth Eskimos, sold his NFL franchise rights for the Eskimos to Piggy Simandl, a wholesale meat salesman and sports promoter from Orange, who named his franchise the Orange Tornadoes. The team struggled to a 3-5-4 record and then decided to move to Newark for a fresh start. The next season the team received more bad breaks as head coach Jack Depler left the team to buy the Dayton Triangles and promptly moved them to become the Brooklyn Dodgers, raiding many of his former players of the Tornadoes to fill his roster.

The Newark squad went through three different head coaches in 1930. Now back to the Boston group receiving the old Newark team remnants, well none of the Tornadoes team members ever joined the Braves that didn't start playing until a couple of seasons removed from the Jersey based twisters team. The team lost $46,000 in revenue of that first season hence all of his partners bailed on the team leaving Marshall as the sole owner.

George was a larger than life showman, who thrived on attention. The group  originally named the team after the Boston Braves baseball team that played there but after very little support Marshall knew he had to change things up a bit. Prior to the 1933 season the nickname was changed to the Redskins to give his team their own identity. The team had limited success in Boston, and didn’t get much support from the community. The lack of support by both the fans and the media really came to a head when Marshall noticed that a local field hockey team was getting more press coverage than his beloved Redskins. This infuriated Marshall so a change of surroundings seemed to be in order, and the move to the Nation’s Capital changed the course of the franchise as they were crowned the NFL Champions in their inaugural year in DC. 

It is for good reasons that the NFL does not consider the Redskins to be a continuation of the Tornadoes, just as it does not consider the Tornadoes to be a continuation of the Duluth Eskimoes. Recently the Washington Football Team was rebranded as the Washington Commanders.

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October 1, 1922 - The former team known as the Chicago Staleys (Decatur Staleys) suits up under the banner of the Chicago Bears and faces a new NFL franchise, the Racine Legion. This battle ended up in a Bears 6-0 victory.

The Bears, who had started as the Decatur Staleys, home of their sponsor, the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co., moved to the Windy City in 1921 and played as the Chicago Staleys until this day, which set the standard for a new Moniker.

The Bears story begins in 1920, when, fresh out of college, he organized a football team for his then employer, A.E> Staley, in Decatur, Illinois, the Decatur Staleys. He served as both player and coach, showcasing his early leadership and passion for the game. However, the Staleys faced financial difficulties, prompting Halas to seek greener pastures.

In 1921, Halas saw an opportunity in Chicago. Partnering with Dutch Sternaman, he secured the rights to move the Staleys to Chicago and rename them the Chicago Staleys. This move was a gamble, but Halas's entrepreneurial spirit shone through. He saw the potential for a strong fan base in the Windy City. A year later, they rebranded as the Bears.

The early years in Chicago were a constant battle for financial stability. Halas wore many hats, managing the team's finances, scouting players, and selling tickets. However, his dedication and tireless work ethic started to pay off. The Bears achieved early success, winning the NFL championship in 1921.

Halas was pivotal in establishing the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, serving as an owner advisor and shaping its rules and structure. He was a shrewd businessman, securing television deals and driving the league's financial growth.