Tom Cousineau’s Unbelievable NFL Draft Twist Rocks Football History
Ohio football fans and NFL insiders remain stunned as Tom Cousineau, Ohio State’s legendary linebacker and the 1979 NFL Draft’s first overall pick, shocked the sports world by initially rejecting the NFL to sign a lucrative contract with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.
The remarkable move took place mere months after Cousineau’s selection by the Buffalo Bills, who held the first pick thanks to a blockbuster trade sending O.J. Simpson to San Francisco. Cousineau, a two-time All-American and the Chicago Tribune’s Big Ten MVP in 1978, was expected to instantly transform the Bills’ defense and cement his status as a future NFL star.
From Buckeye Dominance to Draft Day Drama
Born and raised near Cleveland, Cousineau was a force at Ohio State, setting records that still stand for tackles in a game and a season under legendary coach Woody Hayes. His fearless style on the field quickly earned him the nickname “Woody’s Sentinel.”
The NFL hype was intense. Scouting services rated Cousineau as the top prospect, and the New York Times boldly predicted, “The surprises will begin after the Cousineau selection.” Yet what unfolded next stunned even the experts: Cousineau declined Buffalo’s offer of $1.2 million over five years to accept the Alouettes’ deal worth $150,000 annually plus a $200,000 signing bonus.
“I think I can be very effective because the game is fast and wide open,” Cousineau told the New York Times after signing with Montreal.
Making Waves in the CFL Before NFL Return
Cousineau wasted no time proving his value north of the border, capturing the Grey Cup Defensive MVP as a rookie and winning the James P. McCaffrey Trophy as the CFL East’s outstanding defensive player in his second season. His sharp personality also delighted fans and media alike, delivering memorable quips after tough games.
After three dominant CFL seasons, Cousineau opted out of the final two years of his contract amid financial turmoil in Montreal. Back across the U.S. border, his NFL rights belonged to the Bills, who faced a dilemma. The Houston Oilers dangled a juicy $2.5 million, five-year offer with a $500,000 signing bonus, but Buffalo’s owner Ralph Wilson balked at the price.
Enter the Cleveland Browns and owner Art Modell—eager to land the local star. Buffalo traded Cousineau’s rights to Cleveland in exchange for three draft picks, including the one that would become Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, reshaping both franchises forever.
Cousineau’s NFL Career and Lasting Impact
Cousineau made an immediate impact with the Browns, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 1984. He later played for the San Francisco 49ers before retiring and returning to Ohio. In recognition of his collegiate greatness, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
This story of a Buckeye first overall draft pick who initially chose the CFL over the NFL remains one of the most unusual footnotes in football history. Cousineau was not only a dominant athlete but a game-changer who altered the trajectories of two NFL franchises without suiting up for one of them.
As Ohio State football fans reflect on Cousineau’s legacy, his bold decisions remind us that sometimes the biggest moves happen off the field and shake the sport at its core.
