Who's watching the NFL Draft on TV tonight? For those raising their hands, it's a tradition that's a complete waste of time in our current generation.
In our ever-changing world of technology, people spend more time on their phones than looking at their TVs. Take a quick gander at a group of people just chilling out around a TV. Generally, one or more of those people are fiddling around with their phone, or are in a relaxed position on their couch with their laptops in hand.
This has certainly become true when people get together to watch NFL games. With the abundance of fantasy football leagues, some juggling two, three, even more, they spend more time looking to see if their Emotionally Stunted Donkey Kongs are still up against the Crotchety Master Basters by 14 points and who the opponent has left to play.
So in a world that sees more people than ever on their phones, and especially on Twitter, why in the world is the NFL even bothering with setting up all the bells and whistles of the NFL Draft?
Twitter has essentially made television programming around the NFL Draft pointless. Despite ESPN and NFL Network not announcing the picks before Roger Goodell on the social media giant, everyone else is. If you're heading out to a bar or a buddies' place and still want to be surprised when the name first comes out of the commish's mouth, good luck. You know there's going to be that guy who sees your Jacksonville Jaguars hat and will belt out, "Ha, your dumbass got that Johnny Manziel!" and then makes the "show me the money" sign with his hands.
Personally, I haven't bothered with TV coverage in years. Sometimes I'll throw it on a side TV if there's nothing else, especially if the NBA games turn into blowouts again tonight. But since the NFL's move to primetime, I haven't seen an event in its entirety. I was working a job during my time in college when the move was made. I worked until 10 o'clock -- 11 on the East coast -- and all the juicy stories were generally over by then. There was nothing left to watch.
During that time, with social media evolving, I quickly learned there was nothing to watch. Nothing of value was ever added to watching five or so dudes around a desk rehashing everything we've read on the internet for the past three months. Nothing they say with their immediate reaction is necessary and all of that stuff we can read on the internet almost instantaneously.
Same goes to the players that showed up, walk their walk to the commish on center stage, shake/hug, and hold up a jersey. For the players? That's an incredible moment. They finally have that physical acknowledgement that they've made it to the NFL. That moment means absolutely nothing to me and you. Especially now that players can pick walk-up songs.
Actually, I take it all back. Who wouldn't want to see Manziel with his smug face coming up to the stage with "Turn Down for What" blaring through the speakers? Especially if it IS the Jaguars? People would go nuts and I'd love every second of it. That will all never happen, so nevermind.
Sure, you'll feel those emotions if a player starts balling his eyes out, but that will quickly be pushed aside the next day. Plus, I'm sure Vine videos would sprout all over the place to capture that emotion. There's no need to TV cameras to be there.
There is absolutely no reason, already at this time, that the NFL Draft even needs to be on TV. Our generation has moved on from the traditional broadcast of it, there's no value of it -- to us. But it's of certain value to the NFL, the advertisers, and all the suckers that continue to tune in to the event.
No comments:
Post a Comment