Green Bay, Wis., Steals the Show with First-Ever NFL Draft
Locals in Wisconsin revel in the limelight of the NFL draft, focused on Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin, pulled off a major upset when it hosted the NFL Draft for the very first time in 2025. And boy, did it make an impression!
Stepping up to the big leagues, Green Bay managed to attract a whopping 600,000 fans over three days – smashing initial predictions of 250,000 attendees[3][4]. With this massive turnout, it's safe to say the event brought a significant boost to local businesses, igniting a surge in tourism and revenue that'll charm the city for days to come.
"This is Green Bay's Super Bowl!" exclaimed Donnie Renard Jr., beaming with pride as he joined the three-generation delegation, including his father and 20-year-old son[5]. Hailing from Wabeno (around 85 miles north of Green Bay), his son from Wausau, and his lifelong-fan father still living in Green Bay, the Renards traveled far and wide to experience the glory firsthand.
The Packers didn't disappoint, either, with their first-round pick – Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden[6]. Known for his mind-bending 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL combine[7], Golden is the first wide receiver the Packers selected in the first round since 2002[6]. The Renards couldn't be happier about the pick, with Tommy Renard confidently asserting, "We needed a true No. 1, and I think he's going to be it."
Golden enters the scene eager to team up with Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who's no slouch himself, with impressive stats such as 3,389 passing yards in 2024, and a whopping 57 touchdowns over the two preceding seasons[7]. Golden is ready to prove his worth and earn Love's trust – one play at a time.
A die-hard Vikings fan since kindergarten, Adam Schmidt, from Kaukauna (roughly 25 miles south of Green Bay)[8], rocked up to the event in double Vikings jerseys. Despite the hometown rivalry, Schmidt acknowledged the event's success, even praising the way Green Bay managed to maintain its small-town charm amidst hosting a massive event[5].
"I think it was awesome," he said. "Not just for Green Bay, but the entire area." And it seems the sentiment was shared across the Packers nation, with the whole community feeling an enormous sense of pride[5].
Unquestionably, Green Bay showcased its prowess as an event host and lit up the hearts of NFL fans everywhere, turning an ordinary draft into a true celebration of football passion and camaraderie. Well played, Green Bay!
- The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, broke records by attracting 600,000 fans, surpassing initial predictions of 250,000 attendees.
- Donnie Renard Jr., a three-generation NFL enthusiast, expressed excitement as he and his family traveled from Wabeno, Wausau, and Green Bay to witness the historic event.
- The Green Bay Packers made a significant move in the draft by selecting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, known for his speed in the 4.29 40-yard dash.
- Matthew Golden, paired with Packers quarterback Jordan Love, is determined to prove his worth and earn Love's trust in American football.
- Adam Schmidt, a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan from Kaukauna, acknowledged the NFL Draft's success while appreciating how Green Bay maintained its small-town charm.
- The Green Bay community shared a sense of immense pride as the city showcased its skills as an event host, turning the NFL Draft into a celebration of football passion and camaraderie.
- Football fans everywhere were captivated by the success of the Green Bay, Wisconsin NFL Draft, marking it as a truly remarkable event in the history of sports.
