The NFL erased any doubts about its spot atop the television mountain, dominating the airwaves Thursday on day one of the draft.
After drawing record-low ratings a year ago, the NFL bounced back this week. According to Joe Pompliano of Huddle Up, Thursday's opening round drew 11.29 million viewers, up from 10.3 million in 2022.
The first round of the NFL Draft had 11.29 million viewers.
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 28, 2023
That's more than the:
• Daytona 500
• Indianapolis 500
• Stanley Cup Final
• World Series Game 2 & 3
• Wimbledon
• French Open
• Australian Open
• US Open
• PGA Championship
• British Open
The NFL is KING pic.twitter.com/TrDx5YUfhW
The millions who tuned in saw a lot on the draft's opening night.
The Houston Texans started the draft by selecting Bryce Young with the top pick, making him the first Alabama player since 1948 to go No. 1 overall.
Bryce Young is the 1st Alabama player selected No. 1 overall in the Common Draft Era (since 1967).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 28, 2023
The only Alabama player selected No. 1 overall in the history of the NFL Draft was Harry Gilmer in 1948 (Washington). pic.twitter.com/Rr5nWzZ4uz
Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs became the first running backs selected in the top 20 since Saquon Barkley in 2018, chosen by the Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) and Detroit Lions (No. 12), respectively.
A running back hadn't been drafted in the top 20 since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 28, 2023
Tonight: TWO in the top 12
— Bijan Robinson, Falcons (No. 8)
— Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (No. 12) pic.twitter.com/lqbc0lJd0a
The back end of the draft also has produced another unique first. The Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings all drafted receivers from picks 20 to 23, marking the first time receivers made up four consecutive picks, per ESPN Stats and Info.
This year's first round had its fair share of firsts, but viewers likely didn't need that excuse to watch. All things NFL draw eyes—even the much-maligned reboot of the Pro Bowl Games, which an astounding 6.2 million people watched. It's not a hard sell to get NFL fans' attention when the futures of their teams are at stake.
While things like the NFL Draft, Pro Bowl and other off-the-field events continue dominating television, the games are the league's bread and butter.
In 2022, NFL games comprised 45 of the year's 50 most-watched sporting events.
Interest in the NFL is at an all-time high, and despite the myriad of other options for entertainment, the stranglehold appears only to be growing.
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