SI.com: The Draft Is America's Biggest Sporting Event (1 Viewer)

[Sigmund Bloom]

Tim Layden weighs in

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Wrong.

I don't even know where to begin...

 

[Fiddles]

not buying it

 

[GroveDiesel]

Disagree (not surprisingly). It's by far the biggest sports draft and has the biggest impact on the biggest sport in the U.S., but the Super Bowl draws interest from football and non-football fans alike. The tv ratings say it all. I'd also wager that there are 10 times more Super Bowl parties than Draft Day parties.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NHL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NFL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

I might be able to see where you could make the argument that it's biggest among die hard sports fans. And the NFL CRUSHES hockey and basketball right now. But in society as a whole, the Super Bowl and March Madness are lightyears ahead of the NFL Draft. The average Joe cares way more about those two things than the draft.

 

[Fallerjw]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NFL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

I might be able to see where you could make the argument that it's biggest among die hard sports fans. And the NFL CRUSHES hockey and basketball right now. But in society as a whole, the Super Bowl and March Madness are lightyears ahead of the NFL Draft. The average Joe cares way more about those two things than the draft.

This is true, but for some reason the draft seems to be hyped up a lot more this year. I would say that the Super Bowl is definitely more popular, but to compare it to March Madness might be a little unfair. March Madness takes place across 18 days.

 

[LHUCKS]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

 

[identikit]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NFL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

I might be able to see where you could make the argument that it's biggest among die hard sports fans. And the NFL CRUSHES hockey and basketball right now. But in society as a whole, the Super Bowl and March Madness are lightyears ahead of the NFL Draft. The average Joe cares way more about those two things than the draft.

That's exactly right. Period

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This is true, but for some reason the draft seems to be hyped up a lot more this year.

The NFL marketing guys are the best in the world. Like Bloom pointed out, two leagues are having their playoffs and another is in full season yet the NFL is front and center.Now that they're opening up the Combine to fans, expect that to get more play too.I guess I may be coming around to this theory after all.

 

[Walter Slovotsky]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NFL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

I might be able to see where you could make the argument that it's biggest among die hard sports fans. And the NFL CRUSHES hockey and basketball right now. But in society as a whole, the Super Bowl and March Madness are lightyears ahead of the NFL Draft. The average Joe cares way more about those two things than the draft.

The Super Bowl is more of an entertainment event, than a sporting event. The majority of non-football fans I watch the Super Bowl with care less about the game and more about the commercials and half-time entertainment. In fact, most of them stop watching about five minutes into the second half.And March Madness is even worse. The only interest Joe Q. Public has is how did he do in the office bracket pool..

But is the NFL Draft really a sporting event? I would have to say no..

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

 

[Tyrion]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NFL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

I might be able to see where you could make the argument that it's biggest among die hard sports fans. And the NFL CRUSHES hockey and basketball right now. But in society as a whole, the Super Bowl and March Madness are lightyears ahead of the NFL Draft. The average Joe cares way more about those two things than the draft.

I guess it depends on who you mean by average Joe. If you mean someone who watches maybe 2 games during the year then yeah you might be right but if you mean average sports fan then I agree it is the biggest Sporting Event in the US.I can't think of another sporting event that is hyped months in advance like the draft.

I would say that the Draft has grown in popularity just like the NFL. 5 years ago? Probably not. The last couple of years? I think it might be.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

The title is America's biggest event, so that eliminates the WC.The super bowl only has two weeks of buildup, the draft has months. The intensity of the hype for the Super Bowl is much greater, Ill grant that.

 

[Slinger]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?

Soccer's not a sport.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Another thing happening is that the draft has its own season. It starts while the NFL playoffs are going on, and really kicks in once the combine happens. It has its own events, pundits, and subculture.

And what happens in Radio City on Saturday and Sunday is an entire season in and of itself.

Whether you realize it or not, the NFL pecking order will reshuffle this weekend. You might not see it for 2-3 years, but have no doubt that it happens.

 

[Jason Wood]

Wow, I love the draft but that is ASININE to say. Most NFL fans are passively interested in the draft but really don't care until they see who landed with their respective squads. This is just plain silly. And I suspect Layden realizes it but wanted to cause some discussion and get his name out there. Mission accomplished.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Wow, I love the draft but that is ASININE to say. Most NFL fans are passively interested in the draft but really don't care until they see who landed with their respective squads. This is just plain silly. And I suspect Layden realizes it but wanted to cause some discussion and get his name out there. Mission accomplished.

shhh

 

[Chadstroma]

Let's be honest.

The NFL is superior to all other leagues. It is America's sport. It by passed Baseball and Basketball has meandered ever since Jordan and Bird and Magic retired. World cup is for the rest of the world but not a big event in the U.S.. For events- you have the Superbowl and then distantly you have March Madness.

Now, the Draft and even now the combine have drawn TONS more attention than in past years. Why? US! It is the fantasy football fanatics like us that drive that interest level. No one cared about the combine before fantasy football. The draft was only somewhat interesting to anyone other than the die hard team fans before fantasy football came along. No one cared about who the Lions picked with their 6th round pick until fantasy football came along and us sharks want to know all the info and want to know how it will change how we move our fantasy teams.

If the NFL draft is even on the stage of 'top sporting events' which I think is a stretch..... we are the reason.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Let's be honest. The NFL is superior to all other leagues. It is America's sport. It by passed Baseball and Basketball has meandered ever since Jordan and Bird and Magic retired. World cup is for the rest of the world but not a big event in the U.S.. For events- you have the Superbowl and then distantly you have March Madness. Now, the Draft and even now the combine have drawn TONS more attention than in past years. Why? US! It is the fantasy football fanatics like us that drive that interest level. No one cared about the combine before fantasy football. The draft was only somewhat interesting to anyone other than the die hard team fans before fantasy football came along. No one cared about who the Lions picked with their 6th round pick until fantasy football came along and us sharks want to know all the info and want to know how it will change how we move our fantasy teams. If the NFL draft is even on the stage of 'top sporting events' which I think is a stretch..... we are the reason.

 

[3nOut]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

Why would you say that? The World Cup is hands down the most popular sporting event in the world. Not only is it a month long tournament, but the EVENT itself last for over two years if you include the qualification tournament. More people follow the World Cup and for a longer amount of time.

 

[Chadstroma]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

Why would you say that? The World Cup is hands down the most popular sporting event in the world. Not only is it a month long tournament, but the EVENT itself last for over two years if you include the qualification tournament. More people follow the World Cup and for a longer amount of time.

100% Correct. OUTSIDE the U.S.A. We march on the drum of the NFL here in the Red, White, and Blue!

 

[3nOut]

Let's be honest.

The NFL is superior to all other leagues. It is America's sport. It by passed Baseball and Basketball has meandered ever since Jordan and Bird and Magic retired. World cup is for the rest of the world but not a big event in the U.S.. For events- you have the Superbowl and then distantly you have March Madness.

Now, the Draft and even now the combine have drawn TONS more attention than in past years. Why? US! It is the fantasy football fanatics like us that drive that interest level. No one cared about the combine before fantasy football. The draft was only somewhat interesting to anyone other than the die hard team fans before fantasy football came along. No one cared about who the Lions picked with their 6th round pick until fantasy football came along and us sharks want to know all the info and want to know how it will change how we move our fantasy teams.

If the NFL draft is even on the stage of 'top sporting events' which I think is a stretch..... we are the reason.

Agreed. I was just going to post this. I read this article on my cell phone on my way to work this morning and the one thing that jumped out atme was that he said its bigger than fantasy football. The draft would be nothing without fantasy football.

 

[3nOut]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

Why would you say that? The World Cup is hands down the most popular sporting event in the world. Not only is it a month long tournament, but the EVENT itself last for over two years if you include the qualification tournament. More people follow the World Cup and for a longer amount of time.

100% Correct. OUTSIDE the U.S.A. We march on the drum of the NFL here in the Red, White, and Blue!

Yes, we are a gambling nation and thats what maked the NFL strong. Thats nothing to be proud about. I'm not saying that people throughout the world don't bet on soccer, but the sport is still strong without gambling.

 

[John Mamula]

Wrong.I don't even know where to begin...

it's not even the NFL's biggest event.hyperbole.i love it!

 

[Chadstroma]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

Why would you say that? The World Cup is hands down the most popular sporting event in the world. Not only is it a month long tournament, but the EVENT itself last for over two years if you include the qualification tournament. More people follow the World Cup and for a longer amount of time.

100% Correct. OUTSIDE the U.S.A. We march on the drum of the NFL here in the Red, White, and Blue!

Yes, we are a gambling nation and thats what maked the NFL strong. Thats nothing to be proud about. I'm not saying that people throughout the world don't bet on soccer, but the sport is still strong without gambling.

Not in the U.S.

 

[mozzy84]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

But to a very small subset of people. Fanatical, but small.

NBA playoffs are going on. NFL playoffs. The MLB season is in full swing.Check and see what the lead is in sports sections on Saturday. and Sunday.

I might be able to see where you could make the argument that it's biggest among die hard sports fans. And the NFL CRUSHES hockey and basketball right now. But in society as a whole, the Super Bowl and March Madness are lightyears ahead of the NFL Draft. The average Joe cares way more about those two things than the draft.

I guess it depends on who you mean by average Joe. If you mean someone who watches maybe 2 games during the year then yeah you might be right but if you mean average sports fan then I agree it is the biggest Sporting Event in the US.I can't think of another sporting event that is hyped months in advance like the draft.

I would say that the Draft has grown in popularity just like the NFL. 5 years ago? Probably not. The last couple of years? I think it might be.

an average joe like say my dad who just watches the vikings or other good matchups on sundays hasn't thought twice about the draft and probably won't know a single player they draft besides MAYBE the first guy they pick. There are alot more people like him than there are of us imo.

 

[3nOut]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

Why would you say that? The World Cup is hands down the most popular sporting event in the world. Not only is it a month long tournament, but the EVENT itself last for over two years if you include the qualification tournament. More people follow the World Cup and for a longer amount of time.

100% Correct. OUTSIDE the U.S.A. We march on the drum of the NFL here in the Red, White, and Blue!

Yes, we are a gambling nation and thats what maked the NFL strong. Thats nothing to be proud about. I'm not saying that people throughout the world don't bet on soccer, but the sport is still strong without gambling.

Not in the U.S.

I don't understand your posts. Are you arguing because the article talks about "American" sporting events or are you just chest-thumping your being American?

 

[Chadstroma]

Obviously it's hyperbole, but it is true that no sporting event has more buildup than the draft.

SuperBowl and World Cup down?In terms of money, International exposure and media hype nothing touches the SuperBowl or World Cup.

I would say that the World Cup is indeed down. Especially in the US.

Why would you say that? The World Cup is hands down the most popular sporting event in the world. Not only is it a month long tournament, but the EVENT itself last for over two years if you include the qualification tournament. More people follow the World Cup and for a longer amount of time.

100% Correct. OUTSIDE the U.S.A. We march on the drum of the NFL here in the Red, White, and Blue!

Yes, we are a gambling nation and thats what maked the NFL strong. Thats nothing to be proud about. I'm not saying that people throughout the world don't bet on soccer, but the sport is still strong without gambling.

Not in the U.S.

I don't understand your posts. Are you arguing because the article talks about "American" sporting events or are you just chest-thumping your being American?

No- I am saying that the World Cup is not a major sporting event in the U.S.

 

[3nOut]

No- I am saying that the World Cup is not a major sporting event in the U.S.

OK, all is good.