The1977 NFL draft was the procedure by whichNational Football League teams selected amateurcollege football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. Thedraft was held May 3–4,1977, at theRoosevelt Hotel inNew York City,New York.^[1][2] The league also held its firstsupplemental draft, which took place after the regular draft and before the regular season.

This was the first draft in thecommon draft era (since1967) with twelve rounds, five rounds fewer than the previous decade. The draft had twelve rounds until reduced to eight in1993 and seven thefollowing year, where it has remains.

The draft began with commissionerPete Rozelle dedicating a moment of silence toCalifornia quarterbackJoe Roth, one of the most electric passers incollege football. Eligible for this draft, he died in February from skin cancer at the age of 21.

With thefirst overall pick of the draft, theTampa Bay Buccaneers selectedUSC running backRicky Bell. Next wasHeisman TrophywinnerTony Dorsett ofnational championPittsburgh, taken by theDallas Cowboys.

• Tony Dorsett, running back from Pittsburgh, taken 1st round 2nd overall by Dallas Cowboys

Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1994.^[6]

• Tony Dungy, safety from Minnesota, undrafted and signed by Pittsburgh Steelers

Inducted: For his Head Coaching achievements Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 2016.

• Joe Klecko, defensive tackle from Temple, taken 6th round 144th overall by New York Jets

Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

• NFL.com – 1977 Draft
• databaseFootball.com – 1977 Draft^[usurped]
• Pro Football Hall of Fame

• NFL draft
• 1977 in American football
• 1977 NFL season
• 1977 in sports in New York City
• May 1977 sports events in the United States
• American football in New York City
• 1970s in Manhattan
• Sporting events in New York City
• Sports in Manhattan

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