The Inaugural AFL Draft of 1959

Name: The Inaugural AFL Draft of 1959
Start: 1959-11-22
Location: Unspecified

Introducing the 1959 AFL Draft

A Historic Moment for the American Football League

The year was 1959, a pivotal time in the history of American football. The newly formed American Football League (AFL) held its very first draft in Minneapolis. This moment marked a landmark step for the league as it set the foundation for its inaugural 1960 season. The draft operated under the premise of enabling each of the eight clubs to select talented players to build their rosters, which would otherwise be dominated by the more established National Football League (NFL).

The Setup and Significance of the Draft

Conducted in a conference room, the draft gathered representatives from all eight clubs. What made this event unique was that it offered a new frontier for young athletes looking to make a name for themselves in professional football. The AFL aimed to attract talent away from the NFL, offering opportunities for players who might not otherwise be signed by the established teams.

The Teams and Players Involved

The Eight Original Teams of the AFL

At the time, the AFL consisted of eight original teams: the Boston Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Houston Oilers, New York Titans, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, and the Dallas Texans. Each team was keen to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming battles of the league. The draft featured various college football prospects as well as veterans from other professional leagues.

Selected Players Who Shaped the League

Many players selected during this draft would go on to become legends in the AFL, shaping the future of American football. This included notable picks such as Jack Kemp, who would later shine with the Bills, and the charismatic quarterback Len Dawson, who began his rise to fame. These selections were crucial as the league began to carve its identity in competition with the NFL.

Fun Fact

AFL’s Bold Ambition

The 1959 AFL draft was not merely a recruitment exercise; it was a declaration of the league's ambition to provide an alternative for players and fans alike, ultimately leading to more competitive play and innovation in professional football.