This year’s NFL Draft was hosted in Green Bay for the first time ever. The three-day event was held just outside Lambeau Field as a free event for anyone to attend. Fans from all over the world were able to download an app to secure a free ticket to cheer on college athletes being welcomed into the league, major trades, player appearances and autographs, as well as interactive games and photo exhibits.
The NFL draft is held every year for prestigious college athletes to be able to attend the annual event, where each of the 32 NFL teams take turns and select players.
On the Field Experience
Fans were given many opportunities to enter their name for a chance to participate in activities such as being able to walk the red carpet like the top draft prospects, Having a chance to kick a field goal or even being able to do a Lambeau Leap in the end zone.
NFL locker room replicas were provided for fans to get a feel of what it’s like to step into the locker room on game days and experience the sights of a real pregame inside a video tunnel.
Kids were also given a chance to watch and hear advice from top coaches and current football players at various clinics, competitions, and demonstrations.
On-Site Attractions
There were many different games throughout the weekend for fans to have a feel of what it’s like to be an athlete. The NFL Combine is an event hosted before the draft for athletes to showcase their athletic abilities through various measurements, medical tests and drills. Fans had a chance to feel like they were at the Combine with activities such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and a chance to throw a Hail Mary pass. Fans were also given the chance to try on player equipment as well as play in small versions of a game.
Fans were given the chance to take photos with all 59 Super Bowl rings, as well as see the Vince Lombardi trophy up close and personal.
The draft also provided fans with Wisconsin-style farmers markets with local favorite vendors such as LoCo Wisco, Faris Popcorn, The Maple Dude and many more.
On the third day of the draft, a major takeaway in a positive manner was holding the draft just outside of Lambeau Field for the simple fact of showing off the bike parade that has been a tradition in Titletown for over 60 years. The tradition goes way back when young children offered players bike rides to and from training camp practices in Green Bay.
Throughout the three days, there were fan favorite players such as Josh Jacobs, Luke Musgrave, Karl Brooks and Jordy Nelson doing short meet and greets as well as autograph signings.
The Draft’s Unexpected Twists
Tickets for a theater room that was temporarily built on the east side of Lambeau Field were available for purchase. It was designed to be a central hub for fans to experience the draft, including the announcements of all seven rounds.
Fans were able to first hand see and hear the unexpected events happen live, like the Jacksonville Jaguars trading up for Heisman winner Travis Hunter, giving a 2026 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns.
“I always had that small belief that I wound be in Jacksonville but I didn’t know for sure until tonight,” said Travis Hunter. “I was definitely excited but a little surprised”.
Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, took a stunning fall to the 5th round, being picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
The Green Bay Packers took wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas on day one, marking the first time the team has taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2002.
“I can’t even explain the feeling, I’m so blessed to be here,” said Matthew Golden. “Just to be able to play for an organization like this it means everything.”
Ultimately, this year’s Draft in the Title Town was a success, with 600,000 fans in attendance. Next year’s Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the city’s third time hosting the draft.
Great insight into the NFL draft. It’s certainly a draft that will be remembered for some wild moments.