Philadelphia Eagles great Brian Dawkins summed up what many are others are saying.
After three days, seven rounds, and 253 picks, the 2017 NFL Draft has wrapped in Philly.
Three days
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 29, 2017
Seven rounds
253 picks
One incredible #NFLDraft in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/xVJhhnSNjw
The NFL announced Philadelphia broke the record for attendance for any draft in history, with 250,000 people, breaking Chicago's record of 225,000 set last year.
An NFL Draft Record 250,000 people Attended the #NFLDraft on the Parkway in #Philly!!! @โฆ https://t.co/YsHgVWwVdg
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) April 30, 2017
But how did the city that hosted the pope in 2015 and the Democratic National Convention in 2016, fare with hosting a large group of NFL hopefuls, legends, and passionate fans?
Here are just some of the reactions:
Adam Schefter, NFL Insider for ESPN
Props to the people of Philadelphia. That's how to host a draft. No city has injected that much energy, electricity, excitement into draft.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2017
Wildest, most raucous atmosphere in draft history. Philadelphia bringing it.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2017
Brian McCarthy, Vice President of Communications at National Football League
Thank you Philadelphia & our passionate fans. Established a new three-day attendance record of nearly 250,000 fans. #NFLDraft
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) April 29, 2017
Kevin Negandhi, SportsCenter anchor
City of Philly draft grade: A+https://t.co/3jZdY27zzY
— Kevin Negandhi (@KNegandhiESPN) April 30, 2017
Trey Wingo, ESPN NFL Live host
Philly: You absolutely KILLED it. Best draft experience ever. The standard has been set for every future draft city to try and match ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ
— trey wingo (@wingoz) April 29, 2017
Ian Rapoport, National Insider for NFL Network
How is Philly doing hosting the NFL Draft? No arrests in Day 1 or 2, outside of someone unlawfully operating a drone. Pretty peaceful
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2017
Phil Savage, Reese's Senior Bowl Executive Director
Farewell, Philly! Congratulations on an incredible job hosting the 2017 #NFLDraft! #CityHall pic.twitter.com/4h15WcfiFu
— Phil Savage (@SeniorBowlPhil) April 30, 2017
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Analyst
That was fun. Thanks Philly. #nfldraft
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 30, 2017
Gil Brandt, Former VP of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys
Great job, Philly. You were amazing. Thanks for taking it easy on my guy, @88DrewPearson. Hope to see you soon.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) April 29, 2017
Detroit Lions Cheerleaders
Thanks for the memories, Philly!#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/GcrLJjP82n
— Lions Cheerleaders (@DETLionsCheer) April 29, 2017
EA SPORTS Madden NFL
๐Philadelphia, PA#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ThKAiEaCqE
— EA SPORTS Madden NFL (@EAMaddenNFL) April 26, 2017
But nobody could say it better than Dawkins, who was joined by fellow Eagles legend Brian Westbrook.
"You have set the bar of what the draft is supposed to be like. That's how you do it. That's how we do it," Dawkins said.
"If anyone from Dallas steps to this doggone podium..."@36westbrook + Brian Dawkins wasted NO time getting this crowd fired up. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/IkqXGpbACM
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2017
Now, the question is: Will the NFL Draft return to Philadelphia next year?
Thank you@NFL & fans from all 32 teams who came out to let Philadelphia host you at the 2017 #NFLDraft.
— Philadelphia CVB (@discoverPHL) April 30, 2017
It was an honor. #DraftinPHL ๐ pic.twitter.com/m6vlY3csTi
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