One of the most underrated events in professional sports is the NFL draft. Most people I know who heard me talking about it wondered why anyone would want to go to this glorified day of "waiting." As a die-hard Jets fan who has gone the previous three years, I understand the allure of draft day. The futures of each and every team are being decided in a matter of hours.
The star power at the draft was noticeable. Not only did six of the top prospects out of this year's college class attend, but also local favorites such as Osi Umenyiora of the Giants and D'Brickashaw Ferguson of the Jets were on hand to offer their opinions for their team's draft day. Our press table was sandwiched between the two impromptu television studios, on one side were Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Berman for ESPN, and on the other were Deion Sanders and Rich Eisen for NFL Network.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stepped out onto the stage at Radio City Music Hall to the cheers of every fan in the room. It was a roar that was only rivaled when the hometown favorites went on the clock. From the stage that was more accustomed to hosting the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular, Goodell welcomed the fans to the draft with a card in his hand. Usually, he would then announce that the draft had begun by saying that the first team was on the clock. This was not the case today, as today was no usual draft.
"As you know the first choice belongs to the Miami Dolphins," Goodell said as his announcement was booed by the throngs of Jet fans, "and I have that choice. With the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select Jake Long, senior, Michigan."
The jeers continued as the longtime rival of Gang Green got their new offensive lineman. Perhaps with his help, they'll be able to get more than one win next season.
It was an unusual occurrence that the commissioner had the selection in hand. Long had been signed earlier in the week by the Dolphins, and besides wondering who the first pick would be, analysts were trying to figure out who the Rams would choose.
2008 Woodie Awards
