Take a bow, Green Bay.
When it was announced the 2025 NFL draft was going to be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I truly did not know what to expect.
Sure, I’ve been to Green Bay a bunch. I lived there for two years while completing by degree at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
I’ve been to countless Packers games. Bigger events related to the team, but nothing like this.
The detractors were obvious, and they were loud.
Where is everyone going to stay? Where are they going to park? How are we going to get that many people into the NFL’s smallest city?
The answer was by doing what they’ve always done.
The city, led by the stewardship of Mark Murphy and Discover Green Bay’s Nick Meisner, did what many thought was impossible.
There was plenty to eat. There was plenty to do. There was plenty to see.
Reviews have been glowing regarding the NFL’s smallest city from people who had a positive experience.
My experience was no different. It was my first time covering the draft on site, and it was a special occasion considering the location of one of my favorite events on the NFL calendar.
There were two instances that will stand out to me the most regarding the event.
The first of which, was the aforementioned Murphy.
From an outside appearance, Murphy does not seem like a showman, but he certainly has some type of training.
His announcement of the selection of Matthew Golden was perfectly delivered. He knew how special this pick would be to the fanbase, and the pop of the crowd that followed would not disappoint.
Golden is a driven human after talking to him. I have few doubts he’s going to be a productive player, and that pick will be one we all remember for a long time.
The biggest story, however, was the team’s fourth round pick of Barryn Sorrell.
Sorrell was still in the green room on Saturday morning and was picked by Green Bay. He made his way over to the stadium after the selection.
He broke down in tears when he was asked to introduce his family in a way that really struck me.
After the draft was over, coach Matt LaFleur talked about guys who love football as opposed to guys who need it.
It was evident that Sorrell needs football, and his passion is something that should make him an instant fan favorite.
I talked about football, because I had nothing to complain about in terms of the infrastructure of the event.
Everything went off without at hitch.
You should be proud of yourselves, Wisconsin.
We certainly all are.
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