The 2027 NFL Draft is set to take place on the iconic National Mall, a significant move supported by none other than President Donald Trump.
At a press conference held at the White House, Trump made the official announcement alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
This marks a historic first for Washington, DC, as the event has never been held in the capital since it began rotating its locations in 2015.
Washington, D.C.’s First Time Hosting the NFL Draft
Washington, DC, has long been absent from the list of cities to host the NFL Draft, a prestigious event that typically takes place in cities like New York and Philadelphia.
However, the city has now secured the chance to bring the draft to its doorstep.
The decision came shortly after Mayor Bowser revealed plans to bring the Commanders back to the city with a new stadium at the site of the old RFK Stadium, where the team played until 1996.
Currently, RFK Stadium stands in a state of prolonged demolition, a project that has faced numerous delays.
Structural work only began this year, and though the building has been closed since September 2019, the vision for the new stadium includes a roof that could host major events like the Super Bowl.
Renderings show a grand structure with a West-facing façade that would offer stunning views of the US Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The Draft’s Growing Popularity Beyond Just the Games
Though not linked to an actual NFL game, the draft has evolved into a major annual event.
Last month, the NFL Draft in Green Bay attracted 600,000 fans, showcasing the event’s immense popularity even in the league’s smallest market.
It’s even more of a television spectacle, with millions tuning in for the coverage.
This year, the dramatic draft story of Shedeur Sanders, who went from a projected first-round pick to being chosen 144th, captivated audiences across the country.
The NFL draft’s television audience saw significant growth this year, with 7.3 million viewers watching second- and third-round coverage on Friday night—marking a 40% increase from the previous year.
Trump’s Opinion on Deion Sanders and the Draft Process
President Trump, a vocal fan of the NFL, couldn’t resist sharing his opinion on social media regarding the draft.
He took to Truth Social to criticize NFL team owners for overlooking NFL legend Deion Sanders, who is also the coach of Colorado’s football team.
Trump argued that Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders, should have been picked much earlier, calling him a future star with “phenomenal genes.”
Trump’s comments sparked a reaction from the White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who claimed that the President’s statement had something to do with Sanders’ eventual selection by the Cleveland Browns.
While this may be a playful boast, the reality is that Sanders’ wait until the third day of the draft was still a memorable moment in the 2025 NFL Draft narrative.
Trump’s Complex Relationship with the NFL
Trump has had a complicated relationship with the NFL over the years.
During his presidency, he was vocal about his disapproval of NFL players protesting racial inequality by kneeling during the national anthem.
Beyond that, Trump had his sights set on owning an NFL team at several points in his career, but his attempts were met with failure.
In 1983, he was interested in purchasing the Baltimore Colts, but the team was instead relocated to Indianapolis.
A year later, Trump had an opportunity to buy the Dallas Cowboys for $50 million but ultimately passed on the deal, allowing Jerry Jones to acquire the team.
Today, the Cowboys are the most valuable sports franchise in the world, worth $9 billion.
Trump’s Ventures in the USFL and His NFL Dreams
Trump’s relationship with football also includes his brief and controversial involvement with the now-defunct USFL.
The spring football league, which he bought in 1984, was filled with high-profile talent, including future political ally Herschel Walker.
Trump’s purchase of the New Jersey Generals ultimately led to a series of decisions that pushed the league toward an ill-fated attempt to rival the NFL.
In a pivotal move, Trump advocated for the USFL to move its season to the fall, aiming to directly compete with the NFL.
This decision would ultimately be one of the league’s key downfalls.
Trump’s ambitions didn’t stop at owning a team; he tried to use the USFL as leverage to enter the NFL, hoping to get an expansion franchise by undermining the league.
This strategy was met with resistance from NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, who made it clear that Trump would never get an NFL team as long as he was in charge.
Trump’s attempt to use the USFL for personal gain was a key moment in the history of both the NFL and the USFL, demonstrating his willingness to challenge the league’s structure to achieve his goals.
However, his efforts fell short, and the USFL folded in 1986.
Conclusion: A Historic Event on the Horizon for Washington, DC
With the 2027 NFL Draft now confirmed for Washington, DC, the city is about to experience a momentous event that will put it in the global spotlight.
Whether or not Trump’s continued influence over the NFL will affect the event remains to be seen, but his support for the draft’s location has added another layer of intrigue to what will undoubtedly be an exciting chapter for the NFL and its fans.
