On the cusp of the National Football League's 2021 draft, Mansfield University football celebrates an historic milestone by marking the 70^th anniversary of the first Mountaineer player to land an NFL draft selection.

On January 19, 1951, Pete Dokas was selected in the 24^th round, of the then 30 rounds of the NFL Draft, being held in Chicago by the Chicago Bears as the 288^th overall pick. The NFL consisted of just 12 teams that season including the Chicago Cardinals and New York Yanks.
 

Dokas, a Wilkes-Barre native, entered Mansfield State Teachers College on the GI Bill in 1947. A World World II veteran who saw service in the European Theater in 1944-45, Dokas didn't join the football program at Mansfield until the 1948 season.

Dokas never played football in high school at Hanover Township, but the 6-5, 230-pound giant, stood out among his classmates and was recruited to join the team by head coach Ted Casey.

Casey, also a Wilkes-Barre area native, came to Mansfield to restart the football program that had been suspended during World War II. He posted an undefeated season in 1946 and led the Mountaineers to the State Championship in 1947.

With his imposing size and athletic ability, Dokas quickly became one of the team's leading scorers by snagging touchdown passes during the 1948, 1949 and 1950 seasons. After earning All-State recognition after the conclusion of the 1950 season, Dokas was selected to play in the prestigious Blue-Gray Football Classic in Montgomery, Ala. on Dec. 30, 1950 with many of the best collegiate players in the country. In total, 18 players who participated in the Blue-Gray were selected in the NFL Draft that year including Dokas.
 

Dokas drew attention from numerous professional scouts during his appearance at the Blue-Gray game. The day following his January graduation from Mansfield, Dokas was selected by the Bears over the Los Angeles Rams who were the NFL Champions in 1951.
 

Shortly afterwards Dokas was contacted numerous times by legendary NFL coach and Bears owner George "Pappy Bear" Halas. Dokas received an official NFL contract for $5,000.00 to play for the Bears during the 1951 season. A copy of the contract, including Halas signature, resides in the Mansfield University athletic archives.
 

After weighing his options, Dokas decided that instead of playing in the NFL he would attend the renown George Peabody School of Teachers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. to pursue his Master's Degree.

Dokas had a long and successful career as an educator teaching in Whippany, N.J. before returning to Wilkes-Barre and Coughlin High School where he also served as the recreation coordinator. He passed away in 2001 and was elected to the Mansfield University Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.