For the first time since 1964, Chicago will host the NFL draft. That will not be the only major change from last year, however, as Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that Oprah Winfrey will be taking over his duties of introducing the team’s draft choices.
“It’s a no-brainer. When you think of Chicago, you think of Oprah,” said Goodell. “I need to lay low for a while. This has to be the right thing for the NFL, right? A woman hosting the draft. That’s progress, isn’t it? I did good, right? See, the NFL does care.”
It was also announced that the NFL Network and ESPN will not be covering the draft as the Oxygen network will be carrying the event.
Winfrey commented, “We’re excited to have football on the network. We’ll have to preempt some episodes of My Wife and Kids, but sacrifices need to be made. And don’t you worry, draftniks. Mel Kiper Jr. and Mike Mayock will be on our broadcast. We’ve also asked Bad Girls Club alumni Natalie Nunn to be part of the telecast, along with Nail’d It’s Adrienne Bailon. I’d get my ticket now as I promise we’re going to be having crazy giveaways for the audience. New Nikes? A new VW beetle? You’ll just have to be there. With the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft, I select Chicago!”
The NFL really needed this. Can you imagine the booing I’d get? Thank goodness for Oprah,” added Goodell. “I’m looking forward to Oprah doing that bro hug thing with Jameis Winston.”
