In a move that promises to blend the spectacle of professional football with the iconic backdrop of the nation’s capital, President Donald Trump announced today that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held on the National Mall. The unprecedented decision, revealed during a press conference in the Oval Office, marks the first time the draft will take place in such a prominent national landmark.
Flanked by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, Democrat DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner, a former Washington Redskins defensive back, the 78-year-old President and self-proclaimed football enthusiast expressed his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking event.
“I don’t think there’s ever been anything like that,” President Trump stated, gesturing towards the assembled group. “Staging the draft on the National Mall. That’s a good idea… Maybe we could use it for other things also.”
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The President’s Oval Office provided a fitting stage for the announcement, with personalized Washington football memorabilia, including a “Trump” No. 47 replica jersey, scattered across the Resolute Desk.
While the exact capacity for the 2027 NFL Draft on the National Mall remains to be determined, President Trump highlighted the venue’s potential scale, noting, “The Mall can actually hold up to a million people.” This suggests the league is anticipating a massive turnout for the event.
The selection of Washington D.C. as the host city breaks a recent trend of the NFL Draft moving to various locations across the country. Since 2015, the event has shifted from its traditional home in New York and Philadelphia to cities like Green Bay (2025) and the upcoming 2026 draft in Pittsburgh. This will be the first time the nation’s capital will host the NFL’s annual selection event.
“The NFL Draft has become a marquee event, uniting fans across the country and around the world,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We are excited to bring the 2027 Draft to Washington, D.C., a city rich in history and national pride. With the support of President Trump, the Commanders, Events DC, and Mayor Bowser we’re looking forward to delivering an unforgettable experience as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”
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Interestingly, the announcement comes just days after Mayor Bowser unveiled a plan to bring the Washington Commanders back to the city with a new arena proposed for the site of the former RFK Stadium. While there has been past friction between President Trump and Mayor Bowser, the initial moments of Monday’s announcement saw the pair engaging in seemingly jovial conversation.
However, the atmosphere shifted as the press conference progressed. As President Trump fielded questions on topics ranging from the war in Ukraine to the hypothetical reopening of Alcatraz and an AI-generated image depicting him as Pope, Mayor Bowser appeared increasingly uncomfortable. Eventually, she subtly distanced herself physically from the President.
Despite the momentary tension, Trump also weighed in on the potential RFK Stadium site, taking some credit for the ongoing discussions.
“I don’t think there is a better site anywhere in the world than that site,” he asserted. “It sat there for years and people were talking about stadiums and 25 different sites. I said they’re not talking about the best site. That’s the best site there is.” The current RFK Stadium, situated on the banks of the Anacostia River, has been undergoing a protracted demolition process after its closure in September 2019.
The decision to host the 2027 NFL Draft on the National Mall is a bold and unconventional one, promising a unique spectacle that will undoubtedly draw significant national and international attention.
As details regarding logistics and capacity are yet to be released, the sports world will be watching closely as plans for this historic event unfold.
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