BREAKING NEWS:1967 NFL Draft: Oral History – The First Common Draft Following the League Merger
The 1967 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the history of professional football, marking the first common draft held after the merger of the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). This event changed the landscape of professional football, bringing together two leagues that had previously competed for players, fans, and resources. The impact of this draft was felt not only by the teams but also by the players, who now had a broader set of opportunities and challenges.
The merger between the NFL and AFL had been formally announced in 1966, setting the stage for the 1967 draft, which would be the first to be conducted jointly. Prior to this, each league held its own separate drafts, with little interaction between the two entities. The decision to hold a single draft for both leagues was part of the larger agreement to combine the leagues and eventually play the first Super Bowl in 1967, the same year as the draft.
The Structure of the 1967 Draft
The draft was held on November 27, 1966, and it was designed to allocate players to both NFL and AFL teams in an effort to bring the leagues into closer alignment. The process involved each team selecting players in a traditional order, with a few important changes. The NFL and AFL teams alternated selections, with each team able to pick players from both college football programs and other eligible prospects. Teams still retained the rights to their original draft picks, but now had to compete with each other for the same talent pool.
While the league merger made this draft historic, the first common draft was far from smooth. Both leagues had been operating separately for years, and many of the players had to decide whether they wanted to play in the NFL or the AFL. This choice would depend on a variety of factors: including money, location, and the player’s relationships with team executives. Despite the challenges, the 1967 draft was a turning point in football, setting the foundation for future drafts and the Super Bowl rivalry.
Notable Selections and Players of the 1967 Draft
One of the most significant players chosen during the 1967 draft was Lynn Swann, a wide receiver from the University of Southern California (USC). Swann would go on to become a Hall of Famer, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and helping lead the team to multiple Super Bowl victories. His selection was a testament to the success of the draft, as it helped to integrate some of the best talent from across the country into the NFL.
Another iconic player selected during the 1967 draft was Joe Namath, who had been highly coveted by both leagues. Namath was picked by the New York Jets of the AFL, and his decision to sign with the Jets, rather than the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals, made a significant statement about the increasing competition between the two leagues. Namath’s career, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory and his status as one of the most charismatic quarterbacks in NFL history, would help cement the AFL’s place in the emerging football culture.
Another notable pick was Dick Butkus, a linebacker from the University of Illinois. Butkus was selected by the Chicago Bears, and he would go on to become one of the most fearsome defensive players of all time, earning numerous All-Pro selections and an induction into the Hall of Fame. The draft also saw the rise of future Hall of Fame players such as Mel Renfro (Dallas Cowboys) and Willie Brown (Oakland Raiders), both of whom would go on to become cornerstone figures for their respective franchises.
The Rivalry Between the Leagues
The 1967 draft not only shaped the talent pool for both leagues but also helped fuel the rivalry between the NFL and AFL. The competition for top players was fierce, and many players were forced to choose between offers from the two leagues. As a result, players were often able to secure higher salaries and better contracts than they might have if they had been limited to just one league.
This rivalry reached a peak with the advent of the Super Bowl. The first game, played in 1967, was a direct result of the merger agreement, and it was the culmination of years of competition between the two leagues. The Green Bay Packers of the NFL faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL, with the Packers emerging victorious in a game that would become legendary in NFL history. The AFL-NFL rivalry that had been spurred by the draft would eventually fade, but it left an indelible mark on the game.
Legacy and Impact
The 1967 NFL Draft is remembered as the birth of the modern NFL, as it set the stage for the future growth of the league. The merger between the NFL and AFL allowed for a more unified structure, reducing the competition for players and creating a more cohesive and efficient league. The Super Bowl, which debuted just weeks after the draft, became the pinnacle of professional football and helped elevate the NFL’s profile on a global stage.
The draft itself became more organized and methodical after the merger, and future drafts would feature even more sophisticated scouting methods, including the use of technology and analytics. The idea of teams working together to select players from a single talent pool allowed for more balanced competition, and over time, this would make the league more competitive as a whole.
As the NFL continued to grow and evolve, the legacy of the 1967 draft lived on. It provided the foundation for the draft process we know today, and it highlighted the importance of scouting, player development, and competition between teams. The first common draft set the stage for the NFL to become the sports entertainment juggernaut it is today.
Conclusion
The 1967 NFL Draft marked a new era in professional football, the first common draft following the historic merger of the NFL and AFL. The draft brought together the best talent from across the country and laid the groundwork for the NFL’s continued success. With unforgettable players like Joe Namath, Lynn Swann, and Dick Butkus entering the league, the 1967 draft became a defining moment in football history, setting the stage for the future
