The 1965 NFL draft was held at the Summit Hotel in New York City on Saturday, November 28, 1964. The first player selected was Tucker Frederickson, back from Auburn, by the New York Giants.
The draft was marked by the failure of the St. Louis Cardinals to sign quarterback Joe Namath of Alabama, who instead committed to the New York Jets of the rival American Football League for a record contract amount. The AFL draft was held the same day.
Hall of Famers
Five members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame were taken in the 1965 NFL draft:
- Gale Sayers, halfback from University of Kansas taken 1st round 4th overall by the Chicago Bears.
- Dick Butkus, linebacker from University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign taken 1st round 3rd overall by the Chicago Bears.
- Joe Namath, quarterback from Alabama taken 1st round 12th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals but signed with the New York Jets.
- Fred Biletnikoff, wide receiver from Florida State taken 3rd round 39th overall by the Detroit Lions but signed with the Oakland Raiders.
- Chris Hanburger, linebacker from the University of North Carolina taken in the 18th round, 245th overall by the Washington Redskins.