The NFL Draft appears to be back in the format that we know it.
On Monday, the league announced that the NFL Draft will be back in a normal-ish capacity in Cleveland, Ohio, the host in 2021.
Last year, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hosted the draft from the basement in his home. The broadcast featured virtual interviews with the players being drafted, but obviously nothing in-person with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the country.
Now that there’s a better grasp on the pandemic, and with vaccines rolling out to an average of millions of people a day, the NFL appears to feel more comfortable hosting the draft in person.
See you soon, Cleveland.
2021 #NFLDraft | April 29 – May 1 pic.twitter.com/YylRI1TE6t
— NFL (@NFL) March 22, 2021
The NFL also announced that Goodell will be back on the stage for the 2021 NFL Draft, along with select draft prospects, media, legends, and other people who have adhered to the event’s protocols.
And yes, @nflcommish will be in Cleveland announcing picks from the stage. Bring the boos https://t.co/iZsQ0VthMZ
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 22, 2021
The NFL plans on using the event to drive interest in the available COVID-19 vaccines.
According to Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, the event will have a “pro-vaccine” message and fans that have been vaccinated will have “special privileges.” Every team will be allowed to invite 12 fans to an “inner circle” near the stage.
While the league will be inviting a handful of prospects, it appears that a few players who won’t be invited to the event will still get to be shown virtually with their families throughout the broadcast.
The 2021 NFL Draft will take place from April 29-May 1. The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the first pick and they’re expected to take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with that selection.
Get your boos ready, NFL fans. Goodell — and the NFL — is back on the big stage.
