How did college football players know which NFL team they would play for prior to inagural NFL Draft?

Question

I believe the first draft was in 1983. How was it determined prior to that, which player would go where? Was every guy free to sign wherever? If so...those Green bay Titles mean nothing right?

Answer 1

The teams would go to the college players and sign them. It is sort of like when a regular person goes looking for a job. As far as every team having the best talent every year, before the draft, the NFL was not a stable place of employment. It paid lousy, had no insurance or retirement plan, no union, and the owners did not negotiate with each other like they do now. Most disputes between owners and players were handled by arbitrators. If a team was looked at as "buying" all the talent, another owner could file a suit against them alleging unfair trade practices.

Answer 2

You can try to make the team as a walk-on.Show up for training camp and hope someone will give you a look.There would be no guarantees and you would be competing with players who the team or club has committed to.The good news is that any player whether a first round draft pick or a sure fire can't miss prospect down to the last round draft pick are evaluated and rated based not only on talent but coachablity,attitude,desire, demeanor and others.There have been players whom never even attended college or scouts felt were not worthy of a second look who became stars in the NFL.

Answer 3

Nope there has been an NFL draft way before Superbowls not sure if it has always been around but as far back as I can remember. according to nfl.com the first nfl draft was in 1936

Answer 4

They would just sign contracts so theoretically one team could have the best players every year I believe.

Answer 5

they are contacted by the team before the draft