1930s: The First Era under Bert Bell

The Eagles' first era under Bert Bell saw the birth of the NFL draft and the team's first televised game.

The Philadelphia Eagles were founded in 1933 by a syndicate led by Lud Wray and Bert Bell. The team was named after the National Recovery Act's 'Blue Eagle' symbol. Bell served as president and general manager, while Wray was head coach. The Eagles struggled in their first decade, never winning more than four games in a season.

Quick Facts

First head coach: Lud Wray
Key figure: Lud Wray (Head Coach 1933-1935), Bert Bell (Head Coach 1936-1940)

Lore & Background

In 1935, Bell proposed the annual college draft to equalize talent across the league. The Eagles had the first pick in the 1936 draft and selected Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger, but traded his rights to the Chicago Bears; Berwanger chose medical school over professional football. In 1939, the Eagles signed TCU quarterback Davey O'Brien, who shattered single-season NFL passing records as a rookie. That year, the Eagles also played in the first televised football game, a 23-14 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.