Fansided

10 biggest what-ifs in NFL Draft history

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 2001: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL football game circa 2001 at PNINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis played for the Ravens from 1996-2012 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 2001: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL football game circa 2001 at PNINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis played for the Ravens from 1996-2012 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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PEEKSKILL, NY – JULY, 1965: Quarterback Joe Namath #12, of the New York Jets, poses for a portrait during training camp in July, 1965 at Peekskill, New York. (Photo by: Olen Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
PEEKSKILL, NY – JULY, 1965: Quarterback Joe Namath #12, of the New York Jets, poses for a portrait during training camp in July, 1965 at Peekskill, New York. (Photo by: Olen Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

6. Joe Namath signs with the National Football League (1965)

From 1960-69, the American Football League provided pigskin fans with plenty of excitement. Like the older and established National Football League, the teams stocked their rosters with college prospects. Was there really enough talent for both leagues?

Yes and no. For seven years (1960-66), the AFL and NFL conducted several drafts. Numerous players were selected by both leagues and then it was up to that performer to decide what league they wanted to play for. One example was University of Kansas star Gale Sayers. He was the fourth overall pick in 1965 by the NFL’s Chicago Bears. The AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs made him the fifth overall selection. The “Kansas Comet” went on to a Pro Football Hall of Fame career in the Windy City.

University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath was in a similar situation. He was the first overall pick by the AFL’s New York Jets. He was also the 12th pick in the NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. Obviously, he opted for the former and the rest is football history. The Jets would capture Super Bowl III, making them champions of the 1968 season.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are not only pro football’s longest active franchise (born in 1898), but they also own the NFL’s longest current league championship drought. Their last title came in 197 when the team was based in Chicago.

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