The game of American football is filled with strategy, legendary figures, great teams, and amazing events that have created euphoria in fandom. We celebrate the game and its people. Here are some items of interest that capture the spirit of the gridiron.
The 1944 NFL Draft Story
Football History | Unearthing Gridiron Legends, The 1944 NFL Draft Story
The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach
Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items
SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING
_________________________
The 1944 NFL Draft Story
1944 NFL Draft unearthed gridiron legends like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who shaped pro football's future.
Ten teams were selected in the 1944 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, with the Boston Yanks picking first. This pivotal event unearthed talents like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who would go on to redefine the sport.
The 1944 season occurred during a transformative time, yet the allure of American pro football remained strong. That year's draft laid the groundwork for future gridiron greatness, shaping destinies and leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1944. In this draft, each of the ten NFL teams made 32 selections. The Boston Yanks, a new expansion team, held the first overall pick.
The top ten selections of the 1944 NFL Draft were:
-1. Angelo Bertelli, QB, Boston Yanks
-2. Pat Harder, FB, Chicago Cardinals
-3. Creighton Miller, HB, Brooklyn Tigers
-4. Otto Graham, Back, Detroit Lions
-5. Steve Van Buren, HB, Philadelphia Eagles
-6. Billy Hillenbrand, HB, New York Giants
-7. Merv Pregulman, G, Green Bay Packers
-8. Mike Micka, Back, Washington Redskins
-9. Ray Evans, HB, Chicago Bears
-10. Johnny Podesto, B, Pittsburgh Steelers
This draft featured notable talent, Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Otto Graham (drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Lions) is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He led the Cleveland Browns to multiple championships in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the NFL. Graham is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Steve Van Buren (drafted 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles) was a dominant halfback known for his powerful running style. He led the NFL in rushing several times and helped the Eagles win back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.
While the 1944 draft may not be as widely recognized as later drafts, it produced Hall of Fame-caliber players who significantly impacted the game.
-Pro Football Hall of Famers Taken in the 1944 NFL Draft
-Otto Graham, quarterback from Northwestern taken 1st round 4th overall by the Detroit Lions.
-Steve Van Buren, halfback from LSU taken 1st round 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.
-Bob Waterfield, quarterback from UCLA taken 5th round 42nd overall by the Cleveland Rams.
-Ed Sprinkle, guard/defensive end from Navy taken undrafted by the Chicago Bears.
Ten teams were selected in the 1944 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, with the Boston Yanks picking first. This pivotal event unearthed talents like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who would go on to redefine the sport.
The 1944 season occurred during a transformative time, yet the allure of American pro football remained strong. That year's draft laid the groundwork for future gridiron greatness, shaping destinies and leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1944. In this draft, each of the ten NFL teams made 32 selections. The Boston Yanks, a new expansion team, held the first overall pick.
The top ten selections of the 1944 NFL Draft were:
-1. Angelo Bertelli, QB, Boston Yanks
-2. Pat Harder, FB, Chicago Cardinals
-3. Creighton Miller, HB, Brooklyn Tigers
-4. Otto Graham, Back, Detroit Lions
-5. Steve Van Buren, HB, Philadelphia Eagles
-6. Billy Hillenbrand, HB, New York Giants
-7. Merv Pregulman, G, Green Bay Packers
-8. Mike Micka, Back, Washington Redskins
-9. Ray Evans, HB, Chicago Bears
-10. Johnny Podesto, B, Pittsburgh Steelers
This draft featured notable talent, Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Otto Graham (drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Lions) is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He led the Cleveland Browns to multiple championships in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the NFL. Graham is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Steve Van Buren (drafted 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles) was a dominant halfback known for his powerful running style. He led the NFL in rushing several times and helped the Eagles win back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.
While the 1944 draft may not be as widely recognized as later drafts, it produced Hall of Fame-caliber players who significantly impacted the game.
-Pro Football Hall of Famers Taken in the 1944 NFL Draft
-Otto Graham, quarterback from Northwestern taken 1st round 4th overall by the Detroit Lions.
-Steve Van Buren, halfback from LSU taken 1st round 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.
-Bob Waterfield, quarterback from UCLA taken 5th round 42nd overall by the Cleveland Rams.
-Ed Sprinkle, guard/defensive end from Navy taken undrafted by the Chicago Bears.
Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle funThe Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search
Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website.
_________________________
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
_________________________
Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
_________________________
Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN.
_________________________
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
_________________________
Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
_________________________