The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay isn’t just another annual event this time. It is proving to be a historic spectacle that turned the smallest NFL market into the league’s biggest stage. With fans flooding Lambeau Field and its surroundings, the atmosphere was electric on the first day. At the heart of this celebration was Pat McAfee, who brought his signature energy to the event; joining him were former linebacker A.J. Hawk and former head coach of Green Bay, Mike McCarthy. McAfee chose to broadcast The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular live from Green Bay. He delivered a broadcast filled with humor, insight, and heartfelt moments. What unfolded next was a moment that no one will forget anytime soon.
As Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up in historic fashion, Pat McAfee took to Instagram to share just how much the moment meant to him and thanked the fans for their overwhelming support. Known for his larger-than-life personality, McAfee was front and center as the energy in Green Bay reached an electric level. The crowd was chanting the name of their beloved former linebacker, “A.J. Hawk! A.J. Hawk!” as A.J. Hawk joined McAfee on set along with Mike McCarthy. As a bonus surprise, rapper Lil Wayne also showed up on a bicycle to show support for a local foundation in Green Bay.
The enthusiasm from the fans was palpable, and McAfee couldn’t help but express his gratitude. McAfee was understandably emotional, and he had 205,000 reasons to be. That’s because 205,000 fans attended Round 1 on Thursday night, which is nearly twice the city’s entire population. That’s right. Green Bay, a town of just over 105,000 people, became the epicenter of football for one incredible night.
“That was AWESOME,” he said, reflecting on the historic turnout. “Over 200,000 people in Green Bay? Come on man!” He again extended a heartfelt thank you to the fans, celebrating the unforgettable atmosphere and the excitement of the night. “Congrats all the boys who were drafted, cheers!” McAfee added, giving a shoutout to the next generation of NFL talent.
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Before the draft, local tourism officials estimated about 250,000 fans would attend over three days. That prediction now looks conservative, especially after the venue reached capacity before the first pick was announced. The Packers had to pause entry—like Detroit did last year when it shattered records. Fans packed every inch of the Lambeau Field area, turning the smallest market in the NFL into a celebration on par with any Super Bowl city. The economic impact? Around $20 million locally and $94 million statewide, according to projections.
The draft itself had its fair share of excitement, with a standout pick in wide receiver Matthew Golden, selected by the Packers. Fans erupted with cheers, not just for the pick but for the opportunity to celebrate their team in front of a record-breaking crowd. Former head coach Mike McCarthy shared his thoughts on Golden’s selection. He said, “Don’t be surprised if he was the highest-rated guy on their board. This is a win-win right here.” It looks like McCarthy is as excited as the fans for the upcoming season, and honestly, we don’t blame him.
Pat McAfee’s Vape Antics at NFL Draft Spark Outrage Amid Cam Ward’s Spotlight
Everything was going great and As fans were glued to ESPN’s coverage, all eyes should’ve been on quarterback Cam Ward, who was enjoying his long-awaited draft night moment. But just as the spotlight was his, Pat McAfee as he was hosting The Pat McAfee Show: Draft Spectacular live from Green Bay, stole some of that thunder—this time, by pulling out a vape pen on air.
During the live broadcast, McAfee was caught taking a hit from a vape pen and even joked about passing it to former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy declined it with a smile, and in true McAfee fashion, the host tossed the pen into the crowd before blowing a cloud of smoke to a loud cheer.
The crowd? They ate it up. Social media? Not so much. Many fans felt McAfee’s move was poorly timed, especially since it happened just as Cam Ward’s name was being called. Draft night is emotional; it’s the payoff to years of hard work, and some fans felt that Ward’s moment was overshadowed by an unnecessary stunt. Ward, to his credit, stayed classy and didn’t react publicly, focusing instead on the next chapter of his football career.
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