The same day that Green Bay Packers fans heard their team will play London next year, they also got news they could be hosting the NFL Draft. Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy reported that Green Bay is officially a finalist to host the 2024 event. Their competitors are Detroit and Washington, DC.
#Packers Mark Murphy says Green Bay is one of three finalists to host 2024 NFL Draft. It’s between GB, Detroit and Washington, DC. They expect to hear by league meetings at end of March at the latest.
— Rachel Hopmayer (@rachelhopmayer) February 28, 2022
The NFL will host its annual meetings in Palm Beach, Florida on March 27-30. It’s during these meetings that Green Bay expects to hear if they’ve been chosen as the host city.
The Impact
As a small market team, the local economy thrives off the Green Bay Packers. Today’s news that the Packers will lose a potential “home” game to London angered many fans. The NFL Draft coming to Green Bay could make up for that lost home game, and then some, albeit a few years later.
Green Bay ➡️ the UK! 🇬🇧#Packers will play in London in 2022 📰: https://t.co/gcUJJDh3dt#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/33czZP2YMv
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) February 28, 2022
The NFL draft happens over three days. The number of people who would travel to Wisconsin and stay for the duration of the draft would be worth the trade off. This opportunity would likely give fans from around the country an opportunity to see historic Lambeau Field and Titletown at a fraction of the cost.
Wisconsin’s NFL Draft History
Wisconsin has held the NFL Draft exactly one time. In 1940, the Schroeder Hotel in Milwaukee hosted the 10-team draft. It was 22 rounds long and saw 200 players selected. Green Bay chose running back Hal Van Every out of Minnesota with the ninth overall pick.
The first University of Wisconsin player selected was center Jack Murray. Murray was drafted in the sixth round at number 44 overall. He was picked by the Brooklyn Dodgers.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @wifecallsmecarl and follow @WiSportsHeroics as well for more great Wisconsin sports content! To keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin Sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
[pickup_prop id=”20799″]
