NFL Raises Over $100 Million for COVID-19 Relief During This Year’s Draft

With the National Football League‘s schedule still up in the air for the upcoming season, the league held its annual draft in different settings because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s draft was held virtually and along with the event, the NFL held an online fundraising campaign, “NFL Draft-A-Thon LIVE,” on NFL.com to raise funds to contribute toward COVID-19 relief. According to the NFL, that effort has resulted in the NFL raising more than $100 million.

The viewership numbers for the “NFL Draft-A-Thon LIVE,” averaged more than 5.4 million total daily viewers across multiple digital and social properties. That audience viewed over 46.7 million total minutes of the online fundraiser.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts and collaboration of our clubs, league personnel, and our partners to conduct an efficient Draft and share an unforgettable experience with millions of fans during these uncertain times,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a written statement. “This Draft is the latest chapter in the NFL’s storied history of lifting the spirit of America and unifying people. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of so many talented young men, we were pleased that this unique Draft helped shine a light on today’s true heroes—the healthcare workers, first responders, and countless others on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19. We are also grateful to all those who contributed to the NFL family’s fundraising efforts.”

Funds raised during the NFL Draft-A-Thon LIVE will help support six national nonprofit organizations and their respective COVID-19 relief efforts. Fans and anyone who wants to contribute to the fund can continue to donate at NFL.com/Relief.

At NFL.com/auction, fans can bid on autographed NFL items and exclusive packages to support COVID-19 relief as well. The NFL does not retain any profits from the sale of these items or experiences. Charitable contributions are donated to the NFL’s nonprofit partners.

“Draft-A-Thon LIVE was presented all three days of the 2020 NFL Draft and available through NFL digital properties across devices (phone, PC, tablet and connected TVs) as well as a number of digital platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit, TuneIn, Yahoo! Sports and more than 100 news websites via SendtoNews.”