The posting for today is the original Milwaukee Journal article from November of 1956 — when the Packers picked the Heisman Trophy winner, Paul Hornung of Notre Dame, with the “bonus” number one draft pick (the draft in those days was held the November prior to the 1957 season). Hornung, of course would go on to play nine seasons for Green Bay, winning the league scoring title three years in a row (1959-61), and setting the single season scoring record of 176 points which stood until the 2006 season. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
Hornung 'Tickled' Over Choice
Milwaukee Sentinel
Published Nov. 27, 1956
Notre Dame's Paul Hornung and Michigan's Ron Kramer were as happy to be picked so high in the National Football League draft Monday as the Packers were to get them.
"I'm tickled to death about being the bonus choice," said Hornung, the 6-2, 210 pound quarterback who has sparkled for the Irish this season despite their mediocre record.
"I was just talking to Coach Druze (Marquette's John Druze) tonight, and he told me how wonderful all the fans are to the Packers in Green Bay," said Hornung via telephone from South Bend.
He revealed the Packers had told him a week ago they would choose him if lucky enough to win the bonus pick. "I saw them beat Detroit on TV and they really looked good," Paul commented.
Hornung said he definitely intended to play professional football, but his choice between the Packers and a Canadian team would have to await specific offers. He reported a Vancouver official contacted him Monday night and a Toronto official talked with him previously. Neither mentioned terms.
The versatile star prefers to play quarterback, but "will do whatever I'm told."
Speaking via telephone from Ann Arbor, Kramer said: "It's a good deal. Green Bay is close to my home town (Detroit) so I'm happy the Packers drafted me."
The rugged end had just returned from New York where he appeared on a television program with other members of Collier's All-America team.
Kramer said he had received a telegram from the Packers Monday informing him he had been their draft choice, but that Green Bay officials had made no contact previously.
"Of course," he said, "I talked with Roger Zatkoff (Packer linebacker and former Michigan star) last week and I know all about the setup at Green Bay."
The Packers will have to wait until next spring to sign the all-around athlete. He is a captain of the Wolverine basketball team and may go out for track. He's one of the Midwest's best high jumpers and has paced the basketball team in scoring two straight years.
Kramer declined to comment on whether he had been contacted by any Canadian football teams, but his tone of voice made it obvious he had.
"Every player would rather be in the National League instead of Canada," he said. "It would be an honor to play in the NFL. I like the wide open style of play. Of course, much will depend on the contract offered, and I won't discuss money until after I'm through competing here."
The rugged end, who saw a little action at halfback for Michigan in practice, said he doesn't care where he plays in pro ball, but naturally prefers end. "Green Bay has a great quarterback in Tobin Rote, and they picked a dandy in Paul Hornung."
