For this one wonderful day, it won't feel like civilization's on the clock.
Just the bleeping Bengals.
Yeah, for real, the 85th NFL Draft, which promises to be the weirdest and yet the most welcome ever, will begin around 8:10 p.m., right after Harry Connick Jr. sings the anthem from his home, right after Roger Goodell gives the go-ahead from his home and, if I'm guessing correctly, right after the Steelers' brass collectively plop onto their couches, popcorn in tow.
"A spectator's view" was the phrase Mike Tomlin used this week to describe their perspective through the first round, during which, of course, they won't have a pick. And it's the same perspective we'll all have. Watching. Waiting. Anticipating how everything we're witnessing might influence the 49th overall pick that'll represent their first tomorrow night.
Anyone uncomfortable with that?
Anyone wishing it were more?
Well, might want to check with the head coach on that.
"To be quite honest," he also spoke this week, "I’m not fretting at all about not having a first pick. That pick is Minkah Fitzpatrick, and we’ve already benefitted from his presence and look forward to continuing to do so.”
Or, as Kevin Colbert worded it earlier this month, "We have a first-round pick. It's Minkah Fitzpatrick."
Yep. And maybe it's a fine time to remind everyone why:
“Our thoughts continue to be with everyone who has been impacted by this global crisis,” Wilf said in a statement yesterday after the team's latest $1 million went to the United Way. “We are especially concerned for individuals who are battling the virus, those who are facing financial insecurity and the heroic healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of dealing with this pandemic.”
Ann Marie's strength and faith inspired me in the season finale of #50Phenoms. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and I look forward to sharing more stories of perseverance and hope with you in the future. https://t.co/WIAFCDk1jU pic.twitter.com/XVwjER9Z8a
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) April 22, 2020
