Quick Answer
Yes, players can be drafted multiple times if they don't sign. John Elway and Bo Jackson were both drafted twice. Elway refused to play for the Colts in 1983.
Can You Be Drafted Twice in the NFL?
Yes, a player can be drafted multiple times if they don't sign with the team that drafted them.
Famous Players Drafted Multiple Times
- John Elway – Drafted by the Colts (#1 overall, 1983), refused to play for them, was traded to Broncos
- Bo Jackson – Drafted by Tampa Bay (#1 overall, 1986), refused to sign, returned to Auburn, then drafted by Raiders in 1987 (Round 7)
- Tom Brady – Technically drafted by MLB's Montreal Expos (1995) before being drafted by the Patriots (2000, NFL)
How It Works
If a player is drafted but doesn't sign, their rights expire after one year. They can then re-enter the draft the following year or become an unrestricted free agent.
Elway's Power Move
John Elway famously forced the Colts to trade him to Denver by threatening to play professional baseball instead. The Colts traded him for multiple players and picks, one of the biggest draft-day trades ever.