In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, a handshake simply won’t do. Since 2010, the stage has been set not just for career-launching announcements but also for a more personal touch: a hug from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. This tradition, now an anticipated part of the draft experience, began quite spontaneously but has grown into a hallmark of draft day festivities.
NFL Draft Traditions
The draft day hug phenomenon traces back to Gerald McCoy, the formidable 300-pound defensive tackle who was selected third overall by Tampa Bay in 2010. Instead of the customary handshake, McCoy opted for a heartfelt bear hug, taking the commissioner by surprise.
“When I was hugging him, he said, like, ‘You’re crushing me right now’ and he kind of gasped for air like I was squeezing the life out of him, which I was. I was just excited.”
This unexpected embrace set a precedent. Following McCoy, Trent Williams, the fourth pick of the same draft, also chose to hug Goodell, thus a new tradition was sparked. Excluding the virtual draft of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodell’s hugs have been a consistent feature, symbolizing the warm welcome rookies receive into the league.
Emotional Rollercoaster of NFL Draft Day Hugs
The interactions between Goodell and the draft picks have sometimes turned into exuberant displays of emotion. In 2015, Danny Shelton, a defensive tackle, famously lifted Goodell three feet off the ground in a moment of excitement.
Similarly, Christian Wilkins in 2019 came close to injuring Goodell with a vigorous hug that almost went too far. These incidents, while intense, highlight the genuine enthusiasm and overwhelming joy that characterize the draft day.
Such moments have not only humanized the draft process but also catapulted it to viral fame. The images and videos of these hugs often become fodder for social media, transforming what could be a formal event into something relatable and entertaining.
NFL hopefuls prepare to hug it out with Roger Goodell https://t.co/4ZqGPiWdtc via @yardbarker
They always do…🤣
— Verdie Hinton (@VerdieHint39655) April 22, 2024
The 2024 Draft: A Muted Affair?
Looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, the number of these iconic hugs might be fewer than expected. According to Pro Football Talk, only 13 prospects have accepted invitations to attend in person. Notable absentees include Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who have chosen to experience this life-changing moment from the comfort of their homes.
This reduction in physical attendance may be disappointing for Goodell, a self-described “serial hugger,” who thrives on emotional exchanges with the players. However, it reflects a broader trend where more athletes are opting to share this pivotal moment privately with family and friends, rather than on a public stage.
Roger Goodell’s draft day hugs have evolved into more than just a ritual; they are a celebration of new beginnings and a public acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication it takes to reach the NFL.
As this tradition continues, it serves as a reminder of the human element in a sport driven by competition and athleticism. Whether fewer or not, each hug delivered on the draft stage in Detroit will symbolize a rite of passage and the warm welcome that the NFL extends to its newest members.
