Roger Goodell wasn’t the sole figure to open the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit on Thursday night. Alongside the commissioner, a lineup of local luminaries, including Grammy Award-winning rapper Eminem, Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, and Lions legends like Calvin Johnson, joined in to kick off the festivities.
“It’s happening! Let’s hear it for the Detroit Lions!” Eminem exclaimed from the stage, rallying support for his hometown team. The crowd erupted in cheers as current stars Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson, along with Johnson and Sanders, made surprise appearances.
Eminem, known for his vocal backing of the Lions during their playoff run in 2023, received thunderous applause from the Motor City audience. Similar enthusiasm greeted both past and present Lions greats, including St. Brown, who recently inked a long-term deal with Detroit. He took the opportunity to lead a chant in praise of his quarterback: “Ja-red Goff! Ja-red Goff!”
As tradition dictates, fans didn’t miss the chance to shower Goodell with their customary chorus of boos as the commissioner stepped up to announce the official start of the first round.
