[3] Philadelphia became the first NFL team to play home games on artificial turf when Franklin Field installed AstroTurf prior to this season.
The Houston Oilers of the AFL was on its second season on AstroTurf; the team moved into the Astrodome the previous year.
The draft took place on January 28–29, and the Eagles alternated with the Atlanta Falcons in picking second and third over the seventeen rounds.
The draft began with first overall pick of O. J. Simpson, the Heisman Trophy-winning running back from USC, by the AFL's Buffalo Bills.
Future hall of famer "Mean" Joe Greene, defensive tackle from North Texas State, was taken fourth by the Pittsburgh Steelers (2–11–1).