The stage is set, the lights are bright enough, and the anticipation is palpable. It’s the night when college stars transform into NFL legends, and the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit is already scripting stories for the ages. 

Commissioner Roger Goodell, a figure both cheered and jeered, is here to uphold a cherished draft-day tradition despite a recent back surgery. It’s a rite of passage, where a handshake or a hug from Goodell is more than a greeting—a passing of the torch, a welcome to the big league. The embraces might be gentler this year, but the impact is no less profound.

In a moment that’ll be etched in NFL lore, Commissioner Roger Goodell, battling back woes, stood tall at the podium. With the crowd’s roar lifting the roof, he welcomed the future football stars first up with being the first pick of the night, Caleb Williams, the electrifying quarterback whose dreams just got real. “CALEB WILLIAMS IS HYPED TO BE A BEAR,” the NFL’s tweet echoed the energy of the room as Williams embraced Goodell, a bear hug for a new Bear.

Then came the turn for the Washington Commanders, snagging the Heisman trophy winner, Jayden Daniels, with the second pick, “The @Commanders take reigning Heisman winner @JayD__5 with the 2nd pick! Stream on #NFLPlus.” It’s a pick that’s got fans buzzing.

For Williams and Daniels, it’s just the beginning of their journey in the cleats of giants. Despite his back issues, Goodell’s grit in keeping the draft tradition alive speaks volumes of his commitment to the lore of NFL draft days.

Going back to the NFL Draft Day lore and traditions

The NFL Draft Day is not just about selecting players; it’s a celebration steeped in tradition and rituals that have become as iconic as the event itself. One enduring tradition is the “Draft Day Hug,“ where draftees share an embrace with the Commissioner, symbolizing their entry into the professional realm.

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In 2020, the draft went virtual, and Commissioner Goodell’s basement became the stage. Fans chuckled as a jar of M&M’s slowly emptied, a sweet subplot to the night’s drama. Then there was Bill Belichick’s dog, Nike, who stole the show, seemingly poring over scouting reports, a humorous twist to the Patriots’ pick process.

Fans have their rituals, too, like the “Draft Day Wave,” where the collective spirit of the crowd comes alive, creating a wave-like pattern across the stands. It’s a visual spectacle that unites fans in a moment of shared excitement and anticipation. The 2014 Draft, when the Cleveland Browns fans’ reactions were immortalized as they witnessed their team select Johnny Manziel, a pick that sparked controversy and conversation.

Adding to these storied moments, the 2003 Draft saw the Minnesota Vikings miss their first-round pick, a blunder that led to chaos but eventually turned out well with the selection of Kevin Williams.

Don’t miss a moment of the action. Join ES Fancast for LIVE coverage of the NFL Draft 2024.