Most memorable NFL Draft announcements from Cowboys troll to Aaron Rodgers snub
The 2023 NFL Draft is finally here and top prospects such as Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Jalen Carter will soon find out where they will begin their careers.
This year's draft is being held in Kansas City, home of the Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs. The action kicks off on Thursday night as the first round takes place, but by the end of Saturday all 259 picks will have been chosen, and rosters can begin to take shape.
There have been some memorable names selected both low and high over the years, but there have also been some iconic moments that continue to be remembered for both the right and wrong reasons. Here, Mirror NFL bring you some of the most memorable Draft announcements from over the years...
Dallas Cowboys troll Philadelphia
Drew Pearson rattled the entire Philadelphia Eagles fanbase (NFL YouTube)The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles remains one of the most fierce in the NFL, and what better way to fuel it than by frustrating fans at the Draft. In 2017 the Draft was held in Philadelphia, with the Cowboys being booed whenever it was their turn to make a pick.
In the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft the Cowboys held the 60th pick, and former franchise legend Drew Pearson came out to announce who had been chosen. He was met by a series of boos from the crowd, and took his opportunity to fire one final dig at his former rivals.
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Pearson took to the mic and said: "I want to thank the Eagles fans for allowing me to have a career in the NFL. On behalf of the five-time champion, Dallas Cowboys, Hall of Fame owner Jerry Jones... all the Cowboys that played before me, with me and after me."
The boos grew increasingly louder as Pearson really rubbed the Cowboys' success in their faces, and the former Super Bowl winner was smiling throughout. It felt like a riot could break out, and Pearson loved every minute of it.
Philadelphia get their own back on the Cowboys
David Akers got swift revenge after Pearson's stunt (NFL FaceBook)The Cowboys may have been laughing in the 2017 NFL Draft, but the event next year was held in Texas, and Philadelphia quickly got their own back. Former Eagles kicker David Akers took to the stage to announce the second round 49th pick, and didn't forget about Pearson's antics.
"What's up Dallas? We heard you in Philly last year," Akers said when announcing the second round pick for the Eagles. "Tonight I'm representing the Philadelphia Eagles, NFC East champs, divisional champs, NFC champs, and world champs.
"Hey Dallas? The last time you were in the Super Bowl these Draft picks weren't born!" It's fair to say that after winning the Super Bowl the previous season, the Eagles certainly won that war.
Pat McAfee takes aim at Titans
Pat McAfee lured Titans fans in before destroying them (NFL YouTube)After brutal digs at host teams in the previous two NFL Drafts, there was no chance that it would happen again, right? Wrong, as this time former punter Pat McAfee decided to upset the Tennessee fans as he announced a third round pick for the Indianapolis Colts.
McAfee spent his entire career butting heads with the Titans while at the Colts, and said as he took to the podium : "Hello Nashville. I'm not going to say a single word about the Tennessee Titans record against the Indianapolis Colts because I was a punter, and there's no real reason to talk about that.
"With that being said, we did not punt much against the Titans, so you probably have no idea who I am... With that being said, the Colts are the hottest team, not only in the AFC but the entire NFL." However, this backfired as the Titans made the Play-Offs that season, while the Colts missed out
Aaron Rodgers makes damning statement after Draft pick
Aaron Rodgers' promise has never been forgotten by 49ers fans (TheSFNiners YouTube)One of the most famous moments of all-time from the NFL Draft is when projected no.1 pick Aaron Rodgers saw his name slip all the way to 24th, as he was passed up by the San Francisco 49ers. It was expected before the Draft that Rodgers would be picked by the 49ers and become their future quarterback, but they snubbed the now four-time MVP.
Rodgers vowed to hold a grudge, and it made for uncomfortable viewing as the standout star from California watched many get picked before him. Rodgers ended up with the Green Bay Packers, and the rest as they say his history.
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After being selected, Rodgers was asked: "How disappointed are you that you will not be a 49er?" Rodgers hit back with: "Not as disappointed as the 49ers will be that they didn't draft me. It remains one of the coldest moments in Draft history as Rodgers went on to become one of the best of all-time.
Kyle Brandt hypes up Buffalo Bills
Kyle Brandt produced the most hyped NFL Draft announcement ever (NFL FaceBook)The 2022 NFL Draft produced perhaps the most hyped pick announcement we've ever seen, but this time it was positive rather than a takedown on a rival team. American host Kyle Brandt who played running-back at high school made the most of his trip to Las Vegas, as he quite literally screamed in support of the Buffalo Bills.
Commentators picked up on the fact that Brandt was "in the zone" as he prepared to announce the third-round 89th pick for the Bills, and they weren't wrong. "I find it perfect that the Bills are drafting in this city of luck, because you all know and I know, that the only thing that can stand in the way of Josh Allen is the flip of a coin!
"So (Bills) Mafia, mount up, and every other fan base, listen up! Chiefs fans, Raiders fans, Bengals fans, in my hand I hold the most important pick of this entire round. Because this pick, is the only pick, that will win the Super Bowl in his rookie year!"
Brandt was ultimately wrong as the Bills suffered defeat against Cincinnati Bengals, after a poor showing in the Play-Offs. The Bills were the driving force in the regular season, but trailed off when it mattered most.
Eli Manning refuses to play for the Chargers
Eli Manning made things very awkward when he didn't want to play for the San Diego Chargers (NFL YouTube)One of the most infamous Draft moments and announcements in history remains when Eli Manning was selected first overall by the then San Diego Chargers back in 2004. Manning was the standout choice to be selected first overall, but dropped a bombshell before the Draft as he stated that he did not want to play for the Chargers.
The Manning family where desperate to get him to the New York Giants, who had the fourth overall pick that year. Despite Manning's statement he was still selected by the Chargers, and it made for awkward viewing as fans booed the quarterback, and it was clear he didn't want to be up on stage holding that shirt.
And Manning never played for the Chargers, soon moving to the Giants just as he requested before the Draft took place. Manning won two Super Bowl's for the Giants, where he spent his entire 16-year NFL career.
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