Feb. 8, 1936

After finishing with the worst record in the nine-team National Football League last season at 2-9, the Philadelphia Eagles have the first choice in today's inaugural NFL draft. They use it to select University of Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger, who had won the first Downtown Athletic Trophy as the best college player east of the Mississippi in 1935. (The name of the award will be changed to the Heisman Trophy in 1936.)

The Chicago Bears will acquire Berwanger's rights and owner-coach George Halas meets with the player in the lobby of a Chicago hotel. When Halas asks how much Berwanger wants, he says $25,000 for two years, no cut. (The highest paid player in 1935 was Bronko Nagurski, who reportedly received $7,000.) Halas turns to Berwanger's date and says, "Nice to meet you," and then says to Berwanger, "We'll see you around, Jay."

Berwanger will never play pro football. During World War II, he will serve as a Navy aviator. After the war, he will launch a business career that will make him a millionaire. From 1941 to 1955, he also will referee Big Ten games.