Philadelphia used the first NFL draft to select Heisman…
Philadelphia used the first NFL draft to select Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger, then traded his rights to Chicago for tackle Art Buss before the league meeting ended on February 8, 1936. Berwanger never signed an NFL contract and never played a professional game. Buss, by contrast, became a full-time Eagles tackle, starting all 23 games he played for Philadelphia in 1936 and 1937.
Chicago Bears Received
- other rights to Jay Berwanger
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Art Buss
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The inaugural NFL draft on February 8, 1936 opened with Philadelphia selecting University of Chicago star Jay Berwanger. Before the league meeting was over, the Eagles moved his rights to the Bears for tackle Art Buss. Packers and Hall of Fame histories agree on the essential exchange, making it one of the earliest and most notable draft-rights trades in league history.
Chicago Bears Return
Philadelphia used the first NFL draft to select Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger, then traded his rights to Chicago for tackle Art Buss before the league meeting ended on February 8, 1936. Berwanger never signed an NFL contract and never played a professional game. Buss, by contrast, became a full-time Eagles tackle, starting all 23 games he played for Philadelphia in 1936 and 1937.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Chicago acquired the rights to historic No. 1 pick Jay Berwanger from Philadelphia for tackle Art Buss, betting that George Halas could sign the celebrated Chicago star. Berwanger ultimately chose a business career and never played in the NFL. Buss immediately became an Eagles starter for two seasons. The Bears’ upside was enormous in theory, but Philadelphia received the only actual professional football value.
Value in Hindsight
At the moment of the deal, Chicago possessed the far more glamorous asset. Hindsight reverses the evaluation because Berwanger never signed. Philadelphia did not need Buss to become a superstar to win; it only needed him to provide real NFL contribution while the Bears’ acquired right produced none.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins with a B+ for turning uncertain signing rights into a two-year starting tackle. Chicago receives D because the Berwanger gamble yielded zero NFL games. The historical significance of acquiring the first overall draft pick cannot overcome the absence of any realized football value.