From Radio City to Green Bay: The NFL Draft's Unforgettable 10-Year Road Show

The NFL Draft, once a staple in New York City at Radio City Music Hall, has transformed over the past decade into a nationwide spectacle thanks to an unlikely source: the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. The event had been held at the iconic venue for decades, but when the Rockettes claimed all of April and May in 2014, the NFL was forced to move its draft away from its traditional late-April date. Rather than reschedule the draft for June, the league decided to take its show on the road, kicking off a new chapter for the event that has since grown into a massive celebration.

Here’s a look at the highlights from the NFL Draft’s decade-long tour:

Chicago (2015 & 2016)
In 2015, the draft broke free from its traditional confines and became a public event, with the introduction of “Draft Town.” The outdoor festival, complete with games, food, and merchandise, attracted 200,000 fans. Chicago saw unforgettable moments, including Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Danny Shelton lifting Commissioner Roger Goodell in a display of pure joy. The following year, 2016, became infamous when Laremy Tunsil’s draft-night gas mask video rocked the football world.

Philadelphia (2017)
Philadelphia turned the draft into a high-stakes theatrical event, where the booing of Goodell reached legendary status. The Eagles’ selection of Carson Wentz in 2016 was still fresh in everyone’s minds, and the city’s passionate fanbase made their presence felt. The highlight? Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson taunting Eagles fans through a sea of boos—one of the most memorable draft moments.

Dallas (2018)
In 2018, the draft headed to Dallas, and the rivalry with the Eagles took center stage. Eagles kicker David Akers delivered a crushing blow to Cowboys fans, saying, “The last time you were in the Super Bowl, these draft picks weren’t born!” Meanwhile, the Eagles selected Dallas Goedert, much to the Cowboys’ dismay. It was a reminder of how the draft had become an event of its own, far removed from the days of mere player selections.

Nashville (2019)
In Nashville, the NFL Draft reached a new level of excitement. Despite being in a city not traditionally known for its NFL roots, the draft attracted hundreds of thousands of fans. Nashville’s energy set a new standard for future host cities, solidifying the NFL Draft as an annual extravaganza that goes far beyond football.

Home (2020)
The 2020 draft, held during the pandemic, was unlike any other. Fans watched as Roger Goodell relaxed in his lounge chair, while coaches and players made their picks from their homes. The draft saw several memorable moments, like Bill Belichick’s dog seemingly making picks for him, and Joe Burrow celebrating his selection with his family in their living room.

Cleveland (2021)
The 2021 draft in Cleveland was filled with excitement following the Browns’ first playoff appearance in nearly two decades. While the draft was more subdued than previous events, Cleveland still offered plenty of fanfare and memorable moments, including a Macho Man Randy Savage impersonator.

Las Vegas (2022)
Vegas made up for its missed opportunity in 2020, bringing the glitz and glamour the city is known for to the NFL Draft in 2022. Highlights included Make-A-Wish fan Sam Prince’s selection of Kayvon Thibodeaux for the New York Giants, as well as a dramatic opening from magician Criss Angel. The city certainly lived up to its reputation.

Kansas City (2023)
Kansas City hosted the draft in 2023, fresh off a Super Bowl win. The draft saw the Panthers select Bryce Young over CJ Stroud, while Detroit’s Brian Branch made headlines when he returned in jeans and sneakers after waiting for hours during Round 1. But the city’s vibrant fanbase made the event one of the most exciting yet.

Detroit (2024)
Detroit’s 2024 draft was a record-breaking event, drawing a crowd of 775,000 fans. The city hosted Eminem during the festivities, underscoring how far the draft has come from its humble beginnings. As Detroit set new attendance records, it proved that the NFL Draft was more than just an annual tradition—it’s now a massive event attracting fans from all over.

Green Bay (2025)
The 2025 NFL Draft will bring the roadshow to Green Bay, a fitting stop for the league’s most historic team. As the NFL Draft continues to grow in scale and spectacle, one thing is certain: its journey across the nation is far from over.

From Radio City to Green Bay, the NFL Draft is more than just a selection process—it’s become an event that brings together fans, players, and cities, making it one of the most anticipated annual celebrations in sports.

-------------------------------

Why Buy from sportjerseys.shop?

✅ Customizable options
✅ Fast U.S. shipping
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ Authentic team looks

Whether you're tailgating, watching from home, or gifting the fan in your life — sportjerseys.shop has your back with the best NFL jerseys for 2025.

🛍️ Browse All NFL Jerseys → sportjerseys.shop/collections/all-nfl-teams