Roger Goodell will be at the NFL Draft on Thursday, but it might not be business as usual for the commissioner.
Goodell underwent back surgery earlier this month, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Specifics of the procedure aren’t known, but Goodell is apparently recovering well. As of Thursday afternoon, however, it’s unclear if he will be able to greet first-round picks with a hug like he normally does.
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According to Schefter, that’s being considered a “draft-time decision.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago, has recovered well, but it remains uncertain whether he will be able to offer his patented draft-day hugs. Draft-time decision. pic.twitter.com/est2W3CXQT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2024
While that might seem like a minor thing, it’s easy to see how a hug from an excited NFL rookie could end up injuring the 65-year-old commissioner’s back further. If Goodell is hit by the hug in just the wrong way, it could easily set him back.
Goodell took over as the league’s commissioner in 2006. He reached a deal to extend his term through the 2027 season last fall, which will bring his time leading the NFL to more than two decades by his contract’s end. It’s unclear how much his contract is worth, though he reportedly earned just shy of $64 million for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. The extension was Goodell’s fourth since taking the job.
Goodell customarily announces picks for the first round of the draft. The second and third rounds of this year’s event on Friday will be announced by team players and former legends, the league announced Thursday. Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson will announce Lions picks, for example. Goodell’s front-facing role in the draft largely ends Thursday night, which should help his back significantly.
Even if the hugs aren’t available on Thursday, it’s a safe bet that fans will still greet Goodell like they always do when he takes the stage in Detroit.
