If you’re one of those people who likes to see NFL commissioner Roger Goodell give draft picks bear hugs on draft night (I don’t know why that happens), you’re probably going to be disappointed.
ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter reported that Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago and may not be able to continue his tradition of hugging first-rounders.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago and is recovering well, but it remains unclear whether he will be able to give his patented draft-day hug. Decision made at draft time. pic.twitter.com/est2W3CXQT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2024
Goodell’s last “hugless” draft was in 2020. Of course, that was a de facto draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
X’s fans, as you might expect, reacted to the news of Goodell being drafted without a hug. But in light of Goodell’s plight, some had some very interesting ideas about how an NFL draft pick could overshadow fame and notoriety.
Someone has a chance to do the funniest thing ever…
— Frank Passalacqua (@randomfrankp) April 25, 2024
All it takes is one exaggerated draft pick and subsequent surgery.
— Thailand | Other Kinds of Money (@OtherKindsMoney) April 25, 2024
I broke my back from carrying the Chiefs on my back all season.
— 3 tips 0 (@TriggaThirty) April 25, 2024
Please tell Goodell that the 21 day period has expired. He’s active tonight.
— Matt Owen (@ProfessorO_NFL) April 25, 2024
I come to Twitter because I have news like this.
— ACL-Sports.com® – Sports Investor (@TheRealMrACL) April 25, 2024
If Goodell is truly in danger, being picked up and strangled by 320-pound guys isn’t the best idea. However, watching Goodell try to avoid the embrace of these monsters would be high comedy.
CJ Stroud, who was selected No. 2 overall by 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)
The NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8pm EST.
