On a beautiful April evening in Michigan, a mere stone’s throw from Ford Field, home of the city’s beloved Lions, Detroit hosted its first-ever NFL Draft. Once a mere necessity for the NFL, the last Thursday in April has turned into a spectacle rivaling the Super Bowl. And with the host city’s team finally being relevant in the Super Bowl era, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for their first shot at hosting.
PRE-DRAFT SPECTACLE FEATURES EMINEM
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NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, came out to major boos, which happens every year at the draft. And then Eminem came on stage. The Detroit Lions super-fan, who also happens to be one of the greatest rappers to ever live, kicked off the festivities by introducing some of the Lions’ most recognizable players, both current and of yesteryear.
Quarterback Jared Goff was followed by the new highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, Amon Ra St Brown, who was followed by defensive edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, then Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders. The crowd was raucous. Especially when St. Brown led them in what has become a very well-known, “Jar-ed Goff” chant. And Mathers was fired up too. The reclusive star has avoided the spotlight for several years since making it big. However, that has changed with the emergence of his hometown football team as an NFL power. He appeared downright prideful and filled with adrenaline at the opportunity to address the crowd.
NOT THE ‘SAME OLD DETROIT LIONS’ FANS
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Once the downtrodden complainers who were known for grumbling, “Same Old Lions,” the fan base presented as uplifted, confident, knowledgable, and even respectful; all arguably firsts. Aside from the picturesque cityscape views taking the broadcast in and out of commercials, Detroit fans subtly showed their maturity when one of their own, Michigan Wolverines’ National Championship-winning quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, fell to the rival Minnesota Vikings at the 10th overall pick. By all accounts a gift and a steal for the Vikings, this obviously wasn’t how the home crowd was hoping things would shake out for Minnesota.
Boos reigned down as the Commish approached to announce the pick. They quickly dissipated, however, with the appearance of a family of four, representing their recently passed veteran father, following Goodell to announce the pick. The Detroit fans cheered their native son, McCarthy, not the lucky division rival who got him. It was a subtle moment. Yet one that wreaked of change for a franchise that has done a lot of that since their playoff run in January of 2024. They seem to fit the bill of an NFL power franchise used to drafting from the back of the pack.
TRUSTING THEIR GENERAL MANAGER, BRAD HOLMES
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When the host’s team, the Lions, traded up to make their first-round selection, the crowd reached an absolute frenzy. When Terrion Arnold, the highly touted cornerback from the University of Alabama was announced, the crowd reacted as if they’d just witnessed a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
It is fair to surmise that the single franchise member most responsible for Detroit’s quick and emphatic turnaround this past season was their GM, Brad Holmes. His moves since taking over in 2021 have been nothing short of spectacular. So, the reaction was warranted, regardless of how the pick turned out. He has rarely missed on a pick or a trade to date. Amon Ra St Brown being drafted in the fourth round just a few years ago and now warranting the highest contract ever given to a wide receiver makes that point clear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Colton is a Hollywood screenwriter turned sports columnist. Originally from the suburbs of Detroit, he is a Michigan State University grad who spent fifteen years in Los Angeles after receiving a Bachelor’s in Journalism from MSU. An award-winning filmmaker with multiple projects still in development, Colton is currently co-authoring a biography, “The Boy from the Bronx,” with renowned businessman, Michael Weisser. Eric is a recent and welcome addition to Total Apex Sports. He’s a highly knowledgeable and respected voice in the sports community, both in Michigan and nationally. Eric Colton resides in New York City with his wife and two daughters.
