Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Locked On Lions to discuss Detroit hosting 2024 NFL draft

Whitmer discussed her role in helping the NFL draft land in Detroit and the impact the Lions have on the state of Michigan.

The 2024 NFL draft will begin on Thursday, April 25 at 8:00 PM ET with the Chicago Bears on the clock at number one overall.

The draft is taking place this year in Detroit, Michigan, and Locked On Lions host Matt Dery was fortunate enough to speak to Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, about the process of getting the draft to land in Detroit.

“We all see that it’s an incredible opportunity to bring a lot of commerce into the city, to spotlight Detroit Michigan on the national scene, [and] to show people what’s really happening here,” Whitmer said. “Detroit was a world class city, got on hard times, we are back baby. This is a chance to show what is available here…we were all a part of making this happen.”

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The Lions certainly did their part in putting the team, and to an extent the city, back on the map with an outstanding 2023 season. Detroit finished 12-5 and won the NFC North, losing to the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. It was Detroit’s first 12 win season since 1991, first outright NFC North title since 1993, and just their fourth playoff appearance since 2000.

A lot of that success came from the picks this team made in last year’s NFL draft, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell – a pair of picks that were both panned at the time but that ultimately worked out quite well for coach Dan Campbell’s squad.

A monumentally successful campaign was crucial for the oft-maligned fanbase, and no one understands that more than Whitmer, who like many native Michiganders has been a long suffering fan of the Lions.

“The way the Lions went about it really brought a lot of new fans,” Whitmer continued. “We are America’s team now, and I think that’s emblematic of who we are. Yeah we get knocked down but we get back up and keep doing the work, we show up and stay focused on what matters.”

The Lions don’t have a pick until No. 29 overall at the end of the first round, a product of having a great season, but the city of Detroit will be prominently featured throughout Thursday’s festivities – and Governor Whitmer wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a unique place that we call home.”

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