BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have seen firsthand the passion of football fans in Northeast Ohio, and they are very much looking forward to showcasing that support at the NFL’s biggest annual offseason event.
It was announced Wednesday by commissioner Roger Goodell at the NFL Spring Meeting in Key Biscayne, Florida that the City of Cleveland and Browns organization were selected as the hosts for the 2021 NFL Draft.
“It’s a big, big deal to our area, one of the founding areas of the NFL, and we look forward to hosting the draft,” owner Jimmy Haslam said at the press conference announcing the host cities for the 2021 and 2023 NFL drafts.
“The NFL went on the road several years ago and the drafts held in Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas and Nashville have been tremendously successful and we look forward to following in their footsteps.”
Dee and Jimmy Haslam elaborated further on what the event means to the organization in a release announcing Cleveland and the Browns as hosts for the 2021 NFL Draft.
“We are incredibly honored to be able to showcase the City of Cleveland and the passion of Browns fans through the unique international platform the NFL Draft provides,” the Haslams said in a release announcing the event.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for Northeast Ohio that even extends beyond football, and we look forward to continuing the work ahead with Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the City of Cleveland, Destination Cleveland and the NFL to ensure that the 2021 NFL Draft is truly memorable for Northeast Ohio and football fans across the world.”
Cleveland is no stranger to hosting major sports events that draws thousands of fans from around the country.
In recent years, the NCAA Tournament men’s basketball regional championship, 2018 NCAA Wrestling Division I Championships, 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and 2022 NBA All-Star Game have all occurred in or been awarded to Cleveland.
Also, Cleveland played host to the NBA and Major League Baseball’s championship events when the Cavaliers made The Finals in four consecutive seasons (2015-2018), as well as four World Series games at Progressive Field in 2016.
“We are home to the Cleveland Browns and well-known as a city with passionate sports fans,” Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said.
“Visitors will find Cleveland has an unmatched ability to provide Midwestern warmth and hospitality coupled with the amenities found in other major cities. We look forward to hosting the Draft and once again showcasing Cleveland’s ability to organize successful, world-class events.”
The NFL held their annual draft in New York City from 1965 through 2014, but three years ago, league officials took the show on the road.
The NFL Draft was held in Chicago for two years (2015, 2016), and on the steps of the famed Philadelphia Museum of Art in “The City of Brotherly Love” in 2017. The 2018 NFL Draft was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 2021 NFL Draft will be the first ever held in Cleveland.
“Cleveland has a passionate fan base and the city offers distinctive iconic locations and attractions that will bring the NFL Draft experience to fans in unique and exciting ways,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the release.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Cleveland Browns, the City of Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of players and create a memorable fan experience.”
