97 dollars, 24 hours, and 10 plates of free food later, I’m back from the first round of the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.  I could use this space to give you my amateur analysis of the first round:  

I don’t like Cam Newton.  

Patrick Peterson will be a stud.

Christian Ponder was a major reach for the Vikings.  

The Lions defensive line is flat out scary with Suh and Nick Fairley.  

I wanted Prince Amukamara in midnight green, and the Giants stole him from me.  

 

But I don’t think that’s what anyone really wants to read about, nor is that what last week was really about.  

I’ve loved the NFL Draft since I was old enough to understand football.  My first real draft memory is being a wide eyed 8 year old kid sitting in front of my television with my dad watching Eagles fans boo Donovan McNabb.  When I was lucky enough to win these tickets through GMC, I knew that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.   Class on Friday?  3 Finals next week?  $4.00 for a gallon of gas?  Screw it.  Nothing was stopping me from getting to New York City, and that’s what I’ll most remember: Being there and seeing fans of 32 NFL teams (I think the Bills still have fans right) come together.  

I’ll remember watching in awe as my friend Ryan Beckler navigated NYC roads the way Roy Halladay goes through an opposing lineup making sure no amount of Lincoln Tunnel traffic or NYC taxi drivers were stopping us from picking up our VIP passes.  “I don’t think we’re in State College anymore.”  

I’ll remember meeting Von Miller’s father outside and the “Fuck You Maclin’s” I got from Giants fans walking up to the entrance.  For the record, I was wearing a DeSean Jackson jersey, but I’ll give Giants fans the benefit of the doubt that they can indeed read, and were simply trying to forget this:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUr_oXh6h_o    or this  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH0bh75JMxY

I’ll also remember the people who I spent the night around- A mix of hard core football fans and high-up GMC corporate people. From the gentlemen to my left who knew exactly what teams were thinking and could break down Muhammad Wilkerson’s Temple career better than any Jets fan to the two individuals to my right who didn’t know the difference between Kevin Kolb and Kentucky prospect Randall Cobb, but were two of the friendliest people anyone will ever meet.  

In a GMC gift bag, a radio was provided to listen to the ESPN and NFL Network guys, but this was not a night to hear analysis.  This was a night to soak everything in.  

As anybody of my friends will tell you, I have a really good memory, so I may remember 10 years from now that the 49ers took Aldon Smith from Missouri with the 7th pick, but I’ll more remember sitting 20 feet away from the ESPN set and getting Jon Gruden to acknowledge us after chanting his name  (Mel wouldn’t budge).  

I’ve watched football games at The Vet, The Linc, and Beaver Stadium which are three of the best atmospheres in the country to watch a game  (If anyone wants to take me to an Eagles game next year I’m 5-1, and the only loss was meaningless Week 17 against the Cowboys last year- Just throwing it out there).  I saw Peter Forsberg score his first goal as a Flyer, Iverson win a game against the Wizards on a fast break steal, and several significant Phillies games, but Thursday night will always be one of my favorite memories as a sports fan.  

If you’re young enough where you can still drop everything for a day, make sure to attend a draft.  Forget the free steak kebabs and rolls.  Just find a way to go.  If you’re older, take your kids and let them share the experience with you.  

I’m not preaching being financially irresponsible, but this an event all sports fans should experience even if it puts a slight dent in your wallet.