Old School Heroes of the NFL: Jay "One Man Team" Berwanger

The last year has brought more talk about former University of Chicago Maroons football and track n' field star Jay Berwanger who held the decathlon record at the university for 70 years until it was broken by Zach Rodgers in 2007. However the University of Chicago feat is small potatoes in the recognition world especially when you are the #1 pick in the NFL draft, ever. It was one of Jay's many firsts throughout his lifetime.

1936 was the first year that the NFL draft ever took place and the Philadelphia Eagles used it to draft the University of Chicago star. Most believed that Berwanger was the #1 pick in the draft due to his 1935 Heisman win, which essentially was also the first ever Heisman Trophy award as well. All this that began with a school who is known more for academic accomplishments and even Nobel prizes. It was really no surprise that every team wanted him with his versatility that he could provide for any team.

Although Berwanger was listed later as a running back he could play just about every position passing, punting, kicking, special teams, blocking, defense, and of course running. All obvious reasons for nicknaming him the "One Man Team" he had several other nicknames even at one point being called "The Flying Dutchmen" even though he was German. The events to come after the draft are the most astonishing for a player of that caliber.

After the 1936 draft. Chicago Bears head coach George Halas purchased the signing rights to Jay. However, Berwanger asked for $12,500 for each of the next to years to play for Chicago. Halas eventually decided that the price was too steep and didn't sign him. Berwanger never played a down in the NFL and decided instead to become a foam rubber salesman.

Although this was his career choice Berwanger still chose to referee college games, coach some at Chicago, and even play himself in a movie called The Big Game in 1936. He was the epitome of a person who felt that football was not nearly as important to an education and years later told reporters he didn't what to do with his Heisman Trophy over a long period of time and his aunt wound up using it as a doorstop. It was eventually given to the University of Chicago by Berwanger to display at their college and is still there today.

A man of many tributes was simply a family man hidden inside a 6'0" 195lbs. body that was made to play football. Recognized as a great collegiate player Berwanger was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954. He may have been the greatest player ever to play the game, never to play in the NFL. One things for sure he'll always be remembered to NFL fans as the #1 pick in the first ever NFL draft.