1983 NFL Draft: The Story of This Legendary Player Selection Meeting
Few NFL Drafts have produced as much talent, drama and lasting impact as the 1983 NFL Draft. Held on April 26, 1983, the selection meeting became famous for its extraordinary quarterback class, but its legacy extends far beyond the six signal-callers selected in the first round.
A remarkable nine players selected in the 1983 NFL Draft are now members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, making it one of the most talent-packed drafts in league history. For a recap on the big moments from this year’s draft, check out the NFL 2026 season preview from RightBet.
Anyway, here’s the full story behind this legendary draft:
The Quarterback Class of 1983
The 1983 Draft is often simply referred to as the "Quarterback Class of 1983", and for good reason.
Six quarterbacks were selected during the first round, a remarkable figure that has only been equalled once since, when six quarterbacks were also taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The first quarterback selected was John Elway, taken first overall by the Baltimore Colts. Elway was already considered one of the most coveted prospects in college football, but his relationship with the Colts quickly became complicated.
Elway had made it clear that he did not want to play for Baltimore and ultimately never signed with the team. He was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he went on to establish himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
The second quarterback selected was Todd Blackledge, who went to the Kansas City Chiefs at number seven.
The New York Jets then selected Ken O'Brien with the 24th pick, while the Buffalo Bills took Jim Kelly at number 14. Like Elway, Kelly never played for the team that drafted him. He instead chose to play in the United States Football League before eventually joining the Bills and becoming one of the defining players in franchise history.
The sixth quarterback selected in the first round was Tony Eason, taken by the New England Patriots with the 15th overall pick.
And then there was the quarterback who had to wait until almost the very end of the round.
Dan Marino: The 27th Pick
With the 27th overall selection, the Miami Dolphins selected Dan Marino.
At the time, nobody could have known that the Dolphins had just selected a player who would become one of the most recognisable quarterbacks in NFL history.
Marino had enjoyed a stellar college career at the University of Pittsburgh, but concerns surrounding his draft stock meant that he fell further than many expected.
Miami eventually took the opportunity.
It proved to be an extraordinary decision.
Marino spent his entire NFL career with the Dolphins, establishing himself as one of the most prolific passers the league had ever seen. He threw for more than 61,000 yards and 420 touchdowns during his career and became the face of the Miami franchise.
His performances during the 1984 season were particularly remarkable. Marino threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, setting records that would stand for years.
Although a Super Bowl victory ultimately eluded him, his individual achievements were enough to secure his place among the game's all-time greats. Marino was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
The fact that such a player was available with the 27th pick remains one of the most fascinating aspects of the 1983 Draft.
More Than Just Quarterbacks
While the quarterbacks understandably dominate discussions about the 1983 Draft, the class produced exceptional talent at almost every position.
Running back Eric Dickerson, selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams, became one of the most dominant runners of his generation. Dickerson rushed for more than 13,000 yards during his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
There was also offensive tackle Bruce Matthews, selected ninth overall by the Houston Oilers. Matthews went on to play 19 seasons, making 14 Pro Bowls and becoming one of the most respected offensive linemen in NFL history.
Defensive stars were also plentiful. Richard Dent, selected by the Chicago Bears in the eighth round, became a key member of the legendary 1985 Bears defence and was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Darrell Green, another late-round selection, became one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks. Selected by Washington in the first round, Green played 20 seasons and was renowned for his speed and longevity.
The class also included Jim Covert, John Randle and Richard Dent, adding further Hall of Fame credentials to an already remarkable group.
A Draft That Changed NFL History
The 1983 NFL Draft is remembered primarily because of its extraordinary collection of quarterbacks, but its significance goes much deeper.
It produced quarterbacks such as Elway, Kelly and Marino, three players who would define different eras of NFL football. It also delivered Hall of Fame talents such as Dickerson, Matthews, Dent and Green.
Even the stories surrounding the selections were unusual. Two of the most highly regarded quarterbacks, Elway and Kelly, did not actually begin their NFL careers with the teams that selected them.
Meanwhile, Marino's slide to the 27th pick gave the Dolphins an opportunity that would ultimately pay enormous dividends.
The 1983 Draft therefore stands as one of those rare moments when an NFL selection meeting produced an almost unbelievable concentration of talent.
More than four decades later, its legacy remains firmly intact. The 1983 NFL Draft didn't simply produce a great group of players, it produced a generation of NFL legends.