Report: EA Sports to create virtual meeting of drafted players, Goodell
One of the staples of the NFL draft is when top prospects take the stage to meet commissioner Roger Goodell upon being selected.
With the public draft events canceled in favor of a virtual experience due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league turned to EA Sports to help continue the tradition, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The video game company, which is responsible for the Madden NFL franchise, will create a virtual moment of each prospect walking on stage, and players were asked how they'd like their avatar to interact with Goodell.
Goodell is often hugged by prospects, but some like to take it one step further:
GIF: Danny Shelton gives Roger Goodell the bear hug pic.twitter.com/RUhS8X2mPJ
— The Cauldron (@TheCauldron) May 1, 2015
Christian Wilkins almost sacked Roger Goodell.pic.twitter.com/v9OQ3bdTPB
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) April 26, 2019
Additionally, each prospect will choose a high school to receive a $2,500 grant for its football program.
The NFL announced last week the draft will proceed as scheduled from April 23 to 25 despite the unanimous recommendation of the league's general manager subcommittee to postpone it.