The NFL Combine has grown into a huge spectacle and a boost for the local economy, but does it benefit the players? Boardroom breaks it down.
@boardroom The NFL combine is trending up and down at the same time. #nflcombine #nfl #nfldraft #calebwilliams #jaydendaniels #marvinharrisonjr ♬ original sound – Boardroom
All eyes are on Indianapolis this weekend, with the 2024 NFL Combine having kicked off on Thursday. Thousands have descended upon the Colts‘ Lucas Oil Stadium for the weekend, with executives, reporters, and players alike all hoping to leave Indy more informed on what the future holds than when they got there.
The NFL‘s annual pre-draft event has grown exponentially since originating in the 1970s and has been an economic boom for the local economy by bringing in nearly $10 million every year. Instead of simply using the event to allow teams to evaluate NFL Draft prospects, the league has turned the entire weekend into a fan experience. On top of that, millions more will be watching the telecast of these soon-to-be pro athletes performing this glorified drill session.
While it’s been a success when it comes to the Indy economy and fan interest, there’s a flip side to the NFL Combine — the main one being the various ways a prospect’s draft stock could drop via poor performance, bad test scores, or, worst-case scenario, serious injury.
Taking all of this into account, it begs the question: How is the annual event bigger than it’s ever been before, yet on the brink of being irrelevant at the same time? Boardroom’s Gabe Oshin breaks it down.