NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is scheduled to take the podium Thursday night to begin the 2024 NFL Draft.
NFL candidates will likely hear Goodell announce their names. Draftees then walk across the stage wearing their new team hats and pose for photos with Goodell. But he may not get the commissioner’s signature hug.
According to ESPN, Goodell underwent back surgery about three weeks ago.
Although Goodell is “recovering well,” he may still avoid his signature hugs out of an abundance of caution.
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CJ Stroud (left), the second overall pick of the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, hugs NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Urit/Getty Images)
It remained unclear Thursday night whether top prosecutors were given any advance warning about how to approach Mr. Goodell.
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“NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago and is recovering well, but whether he will be able to give his patented draft day hug remains uncertain. That’s a decision to be made at the time of the draft,” NFL Insider said. Adam Schefter wrote in X.
This year’s draft will be hosted by Detroit. Goodell previously praised the progress downtown Detroit has made over the years.
“You’re doing it your way. You’re showing off this community in a way that it deserves. What you’ve done in this community is amazing. I’ve been coming here for decades. ” Goodell said in January. “We know what you’ve done physically downtown, but just as important is what you’ve done together.
“The public and private sectors, and you guys, have rallied around this community, and I think people all over the world should see that. And you’ll have the opportunity to do that. And if If you guys understand what Detroit really is and what Detroit is passionate about, people in this community, it’s going to be a successful draft.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks to the media ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 5, 2024. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The NFL confirmed that at least 13 prospects have been invited to attend the draft in person. Quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jaden Daniels were in the green room before the draft.
Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, selected 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on April 26, 2018. (Getty Images)
Williams has put together one of the most prolific college football careers in recent memory and is widely expected to be the first player left on the roster Thursday.
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The first round of the NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8pm ET. The second and third rounds are scheduled for Friday, with the remaining four rounds finishing on Saturday.
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