Norris Steverson, a multi-sport athlete at Arizona State, became the first ASU athlete ever drafted by a professional sports team. After leading ASU’s football team to a historic victory over Arizona in 1931, he caught the attention of NFL scouts. In 1934, while playing in an exhibition game against the Chicago Bears, Steverson impressed legendary coach George Halas, earning a contract offer. Though originally signed by the Bears, his contract was sold to the Cincinnati Reds, where he played briefly before leaving professional football to pursue a lifelong career in coaching and education.
Read more about Steverson’s journey here.
1934 – Norris Steverson Drafted by Chicago Bears Football Team