A rainy day didn't dampen spirits as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers were welcomed by Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy to Packers training camp on Monday, Aug. 14. Goodell greeted Packers fans and saluted Green Bay for its selection to host the 2025 NFL Draft in a recognition event.

Murphy and Evers, along with Brown County executive Troy Streckenbach, made remarks that thanked Goodell and the NFL for choosing Green Bay. They spoke of their excitement for the draft and the expansive impact it will have on Green Bay and the entire state of Wisconsin.

Murphy additionally introduced the 2025 NFL Draft Green Bay host committee, led by chair Mike Haddad and vice chair Kate Burgess. Other committee members include Nancy Armbrust and George Koonce. The committee played a large role in bringing the draft to Green Bay and will continue to play a role in planning and preparations leading up to 2025.

Key donors to the 2025 NFL Draft were also recognized by Murphy. Green donors include Delaware North, Kohler Co., and Miron Construction. Gold donors include Associated Bank, Bellin Health, Belmark, Bergstrom and Oh Snap Pickling Co.

"They are some of our state's flagship companies and it's great to have them on board as key community supporters of the draft," Murphy said. "We are thankful for what they'll do to make this a great event for Green Bay and Wisconsin."

Speakers highlighted how important community support for the draft will be. Fundraising continues and there are many opportunities to join the effort in making the 2025 NFL Draft a success.

Goodell closed his remarks with a play on his well-known draft-day podium address: "With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the NFL selects Green Bay, Wisconsin. So Green Bay, you're on the clock."

Also featured at Monday's event were custom-decaled draft bicycles, a nod to the cherished bike tradition that has taken place before Packers' practices for decades. After the event, guests made their way over to the Don Hutson Center to witness practice.

The 2025 NFL Draft will bring together fans from all over the nation, as well as several foreign countries, to celebrate football and the selection of college players by NFL teams. The festivities will include several days of activities throughout Green Bay and will feature the NFL Draft Experience – a massive free football festival – near Lambeau Field to allow fans of all teams to participate and test their football skills, enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions, and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Draft Experience will be open all three days of the event. 

While details of the 2025 NFL Draft are still being finalized, the main portion of the event is expected to take place on the Lambeau Field and Titletown campus, with a variety of venues to be utilized within close proximity. 

The NFL Draft has become one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events of the year. The 2023 draft in Kansas City in April welcomed more than 312,000 fans and had more than 54 million viewers over the course of the three-day event.