The NFL is a brand that has always strived to appeal to younger audiences. Whether that's through promotions, the Super Bowl halftime show, or just generally trying to be the most exciting sport America has to offer. According to a poll of 1000 Gen Zers in 2022, 53% of them listed the NFL as their favorite sports league.
By extension, the NFL wants young people to tune into the NFL Draft. With the next crop of young players entering the league, the NFL wants people invested. As part of this, the NFL Draft has become a three-day spectacle that takes over an entire city. This includes the NFL Draft Concert series, a trio of musical performances that close out each day of the draft. In the past, performers have included MGK and Marshmello. But we have some questions about the 2023 lineup.
Fall Out Boy, Mötley Crüe, and Thundercat Headline NFL Draft Concert 2023
In an announcement earlier this week, the NFL revealed that the NFL Draft Concert 2023 would feature Fall Out Boy, Mötley Crüe, and Thundercat. Fall Out Boy would follow Round 1 on April 27, Mötley Crüe would come on after Round 3 on April 28, and Thundercat would close out proceedings on April 29. The concert is free on a first-come, first-served basis in Kansas City. 2022 featured a lineup of Weezer, Ice Cube, and Marshmello. Starting to think people might not want to play the NFL Draft...
Fall Out Boy and Thundercat are decent if slightly unusual choices. Thundercat is a nice way to close out the draft while Fall Out Boy is currently promoting their new album. But Mötley Crüe? The 80s metal band who is currently feuding with one of their band members? The band that hasn't released a new album in 15 years? It's a weird move from an organization that has the money and power to get any number of big-name stars. Furthermore, the NFL literally just had Rihanna magically vibe all over the Super Bowl. Was Mötley Crüe seriously the best they could do? Regardless, all three acts will be in attendance when the NFL Draft kicks off next week.
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