NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Recovering From Back Surgery Ahead of 2024 Draft

Roger Goodell was a late addition to the injury report before the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the NFL commissioner has "recovered well" after undergoing back surgery three weeks ago.

Schefter noted it's unclear if Goodell "will be able to offer his patented draft-day hugs" amid his ongoing recovery. It doesn't sound like he's going to have any problems announcing the picks in the first round.

Prospects, in the thrill of getting their name called on draft day, have made a habit of engaging with Goodell in bear hugs, shoulder bumps and chest bumps.

The good news is there are only 13 prospects who will be in the green room for this year's draft. This is a decrease from the 17 who attended the draft in 2023 and 21 who were in Las Vegas for the draft in 2022.

Per The Athletic's Mike Jones, reasons given for fewer prospects at the draft this year include "location, convenience, a desire to include more family and uncertainty related to their draft projection."

Goodell has been announcing first-round picks at the NFL draft since 2007. He took over as commissioner of the league in September 2006 when he replaced the retiring Paul Tagliabue.

The 2024 NFL draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET from Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan.