Day in the Life of a Draft Pick

For the last 4 or 5 years, Sports Illustrated has assigned me to cover the NFL draft. On the days leading up to the event, they take some of the top prospects around New York City and I’m granted exclusive access to ride around town with the guys.

It’s a bit like Groundhog Day considering that they pretty much do the same 6 or 7 events every year — the network morning shows, football drills with local kids, visiting sick children at Mt. Sinai Hospital, etc.

I’ve posted a few images of #1 pick Jake Long:

 

- Having makeup put on with his mother for the Today Show:

- Getting destroyed at Wii boxing by a 10 year old at Mt. Sinai:

- Looking at cheap handbags on the streets on NYC with fellow draftee Chris Long (no relation):

 

It’s pretty funny to see them checking out the wares on the street because Jake signed a deal with the Dolphins for almost $60 million. I’m sure Chris, son of hall of fame player Howie Long, won’t do so badly either since he was the #2 pick on Saturday.

Overall, this group of guys was great to deal with and didn’t seem to mind me being in their face for two straight days. I spent some time chatting with Boston College QB Matt Ryan and was really impressed with him. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

He’ll need it because he was the third overall pick and will be taking the reins for the Falcons someday soon. Their last star quarterback (2001 #1 draft pick Michael Vick) didn’t fare too well.

At the draft itself, I put a lot of pressure on myself to make unique photos each year at Radio City Music Hall. This time I set up a couple of remote cameras including one with a fisheye lens behind the stage.

 

Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I’ll let you decide.

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