Roger Goodell back surgery: Why NFL commissioner might need to avoid hugs during 2024 draft

Nick Brinkerhoff

Roger Goodell back surgery: Why NFL commissioner might need to avoid hugs during 2024 draft image

NFL Draft prospects will have to handle Roger Goodell with care in 2024.

The NFL commissioner might not be wearing a shirt that labels him "fragile," but a medical procedure could be putting a damper on one of the draft's best traditions. Instead of a big bear hug, the 13 prospects in attendance could be turning back the clock to the pre-Goodell NFL days, where handshakes were the only item on the menu.

We're still at least four months away from getting injury reports, but that didn't stop the commissioner from ending up on the offseason's unofficial draft edition.

Here's what you need to know about Goodell's status ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

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Roger Goodell back surgery

With just hours to go before the Chicago Bears find themselves officially on the clock, ESPN's Adam Schefter dropped a surprising tidbit about the upcoming happenings on the stage.

Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago, according to Schefter, and has recovered well. However, it's unclear whether the commissioner has been cleared for contact.

Considering the reality of the situation, it would come as no surprise if Goodell elects to be limited on draft day. He can still announce the picks and absorb the boos, but taking a big hit from a future NFL player might be too much, too soon.

The NFL Draft is not supposed to be a physical event, but players have done a tremendous job of making it one through the years.

MORE: How tall is Roger Goodell? Revisiting the best draft-day hugs between players & NFL Commissioner

Goodell is routinely on the receiving end of some of the biggest hugs imaginable and we doubt that would do wonders for his recovery.

Given some of the hugs, it's a wonder how Goodell's back lasted this long. Regardless, the commissioner has proven that he's willing to play through the pain.

Nick Brinkerhoff

Nick Brinkerhoff Photo

Nick Brinkerhoff is a content producer at The Sporting News covering the NFL, NBA and other sports. A proud New Jerseyan, Nick is also a graduate of Rutgers University. He is always in the mood for a good joke, the day’s best bets, or a debate about the mediocrity of the New York sports scene.