Trump and Goodell Announce NFL Partnership to Strengthen Washington Ties
2027 NFL Draft to Debut at National Mall, Trump Announces
The 2027 NFL Draft will be held at Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, announced former President Donald Trump alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris. The decision, revealed at a White House event, marks the first time the draft will take place at the iconic site, with Trump praising the location as a “good idea” during the bipartisan announcement.
Revitalizing RFK Stadium Site
The event highlighted plans to redevelop the former RFK Stadium site, which has been vacant since 1996. The proposed stadium, set to feature a west-facing design with views of the U.S. Capitol, aims to host future NFL events, including the Super Bowl. Though the draft itself doesn’t require a stadium, the NFL’s growing popularity—evidenced by 600,000 attendees in Green Bay’s 2025 draft—underscores the event’s appeal.
[Image: Rendering of the proposed RFK Stadium redevelopment with the Capitol in the background.]
Trump’s NFL Critique and Draft Drama
Trump also weighed in on recent NFL controversies, criticizing owners for overlooking Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 draft. The former Colorado quarterback, son of Coach Deion Sanders, fell to the 144th pick despite high expectations. Trump’s social media post called the decision “STUPID,” praising Shedeur’s “phenomenal genes.” The Cleveland Browns’ eventual selection of Sanders led to playful claims of White House influence, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quipping, “the facts speak for themselves.”
[Image: Shedeur Sanders at a press conference after being drafted by the Browns.]
Trump’s Rocky NFL History
Trump’s relationship with the NFL has been contentious. He clashed with the league over player protests during the national anthem and faced repeated failures in team ownership attempts. In the 1980s, he missed buying the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Colts, later purchasing the USFL’s New Jersey Generals. His push to move the USFL to a fall season to rival the NFL led to the league’s collapse. Former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle famously rebuffed Trump, stating he’d “never own a team” under his watch.
[Image: Vintage photo of Trump with USFL’s New Jersey Generals.]
Looking Ahead
The 2027 draft on the National Mall symbolizes a new chapter, blending sports, politics, and urban renewal. While Trump’s NFL ambitions have faced hurdles, his influence on the league’s cultural and logistical landscape remains undeniable.
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