Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, April 21, 2024 ~ In the heart of Detroit, where the spirit of revival beats as strongly as the anticipation for the next play, the 2024 NFL Draft is more than an event; it’s a beacon of dreams, hope, and collective joy.
When the clock starts this Thursday in Downtown Detroit, the moment won’t just be about the bright-eyed athletes poised on the brink of their professional careers, nor will it be solely for the fans whose hearts beat in sync with the city’s renewed pulse. Beyond the expected, the moment will just as much be about a celebration of Detroit itself, a city that has risen from its past challenges to host an event that symbolizes the very essence of transformation and aspiration.
On Sunday, 760 WJR’s Mark Hollis interviewed key players who have worked tirelessly over the last few years to make the dream of the Draft in Detroit a reality. Listen in below to “’JR Sunday with Mark Hollis” to hear the story of how the Detroit 2024 NFL Draft came to be, direct from the newsmakers who made it happen.
PODCASTS:
April 21, 2024 ~ On the NFL Draft preview edition of “’JR Sunday with Mark Hollis,” guests examine the remarkable rise that is about to place Detroit at the epicenter of the global sports spotlight. Learn how partnerships among local organizations, including Visit Detroit, the City of Detroit, Rocket Companies, Bedrock, and the NFL, sparked this spectacular event, and how patience, teamwork, and attention to detail have made it a reality. Guests for this segment include Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari, Visit Detroit and Detroit Sports Commission Senior Vice President Dave Beachnau, and Detroit Sports Commission Deputy Director Marty Dobek. Photo: Andrew Mullin ~ WJR
April 21, 2024 ~ Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood joins the conversation on “’JR Sunday with Mark Hollis” to talk about the critical role of alignment and culture within the Lions organization. Learn how both their unified leadership approach and their passionate fan base are driving the team’s success. Rod also talks on the team’s anticipation for the 2024 NFL Draft, and his prideful views on how the dedication, collaboration, and teamwork of multiple organizations are about to bring the world to Detroit‘s doorstep. Photo: David Reginek ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
April 21, 2024 ~ NFL Football Analyst Charles Davis joins “’JR Sunday with Mark Hollis” to talk about the tough path college players must take to make it through the NFL Draft and into the NFL. Learn the struggles of the climb, the importance of finding the right team fit, and the hard reality that most college players never make it to the NFL. Photo: Annie Barker ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
April 21, 2024 ~ Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan share his pride for the organizations and individuals whose unwavering dedication has helped to make the 2024 NFL Draft a declaration of Detroit’s resurgence that the world will soon see. Here how the strategic decision to position the Draft in the heart of the city will go beyond celebrating the future stars of football to ignite the local economy and support small businesses, all while teaming both business and community leaders as a symbol of Detroit’s commitment to revitalization and unity. It’s a story that goes from bankruptcy to unprecedented boon on “’JR Sunday with Mark Hollis.” Photo: Sarahbeth Maney ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
April 21, 2024 ~ ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit talks with 760 WJR’s Mark Hollis about the meticulous preparations behind ABC and ESPN planned coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. Beyond the stats and strategies, Kirk tells us of the network’s commitment to cover the human side of football, offering the incredible life stories behind the successes of players like USC’s Caleb Williams, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., and LSU’s Malik Nabers. Preview here the plans for 90-plus hours of coverage aimed at winning the hearts of a projected 54-million viewers. Photo: Kirby Lee ~ USA TODAY SPORTS
April 21, 2024 ~ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell tells 760 WJR’s Mark Hollis how this year’s NFL Draft promises to meld the best of football with the unstoppable energy of Detroit. Listen as the commissioner lauds the efforts of Draft planners, while spotlighting some of the unforgettable experiences that await fans who plan to attend. He also gives his thoughts on the playful tradition of “Booing the Boss,” and the greeting that’s sure to be waiting for him when he steps on Detroit’s NFL Draft stage.
April 21, 2024 ~ Rocket Mortgage Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert guests on “’JR Sunday with Mark Hollis” live from the Trion Solutions Studio to talk about the remarkable transformation and resurgence of the City of Detroit. Follow the path, from his impactful decision to relocate Quicken Loans (now Rocket Mortgage) to downtown, through an evolution that has attracted investments and spurred the growth of hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces, to a point where Detroit stands ready to shine in the global spotlight of the NFL Draft. Photo: Andrew Mullin ~ WJR
(CONTINUED) Stay with 760 WJR through the week for the latest on the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, plus be sure to catch our coverage live from the epicenter of the action.
On Wednesday, August 24, don’t miss “SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino” live at 6 p.m. from the kick-off celebration at Gilly’s Detroit.
Then on Thursday, 760 WJR is live from 6 a.m. through 11 p.m. from inside the footprint of the NFL Draft. Don’t miss “’JR Mornings with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie,” “All Talk with Jordan and Dietz,” “Focus with Paul W. Smith,” “’JR Afternoon with Chris Renwick,” and “The Mitch Albom Show,” followed by and extended special edition of “SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino.”
It’s all part of our 2024 NFL Draft coverage, exclusively on 760 WJR.
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