The Cleveland Browns are currently going through OTA’s as they prepare to make their first playoff appearance since 2012.

The Browns had a highly successful offseason with the trades for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive end Olivier Vernon. The Browns also signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and drafted cornerback Greedy Williams.

However, Cleveland is welcoming another excellent addition to their triumphant offseason. The 2021 NFL Draft is coming to the city of Cleveland.

Get ready Cleveland … The @NFL Draft is coming in 2021! Details » https://t.co/fRHclLZADz pic.twitter.com/zH1NHDlKbd — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 22, 2019

Cleveland is awarded the 2021 NFL Draft

To commemorate the Browns’ 75th anniversary, the 2021 draft will be held in Cleveland. The state of Ohio is the birthplace of professional football and the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is located in Canton, Ohio. Canton is approximately an hour drive from the city of Cleveland.

Cleveland fell short on the 2019 and 2020 drafts in their original proposals which included both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the city of Canton. However, the current bid was streamlined to include Cleveland. The proximity of other NFL markets made Cleveland a popular and victorious selection.

The city of Cleveland was awarded the league’s biggest offseason event, the league announced Wednesday. This accomplishment was achieved through a combined effort of the Cleveland Browns and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

“Cleveland has a passionate fan base and the city offers distinctive iconic locations and attractions that will bring the NFL Draft experience to fans in unique and exciting ways,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We look forward to collaborating with the Cleveland Browns, the City of Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of players and create a memorable fan experience.”

Cleveland will feature the NFL events around FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the lakefront will also play a significant role. Other downtown locations such as Public Square and the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland will also be involved. Additionally, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton will also play a prominent role.

Cleveland Rocks!

The city of Cleveland will be the epicenter of the sports world for the next several years. Cleveland will have the opportunity to showcase what the city has to offer as they host major various sporting events in the upcoming years.

On July 9th this summer, Progressive Field in Cleveland will be hosting the Major League All-Star Game.

March Madness comes to Cleveland in 2020, in which Rocket Mortage Fieldhouse will host six games which will include first and second round action.

The 86th NFL Draft in 2021 will come to different venues in downtown Cleveland.

Cleveland has been selected to host the 2022 NBA All-Star Game when the league is commemorating its 75th anniversary. The city previously hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1997, when the NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary. In addition, it (sort of) hosted the event in 1981, as it was located in Richfield, Ohio, a mere 30 minutes away.

If that’s not enough, Cleveland, which previously hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 2007, will return as host of the finals event in 2024!

The NFL Draft Experience

The three days of the NFL Draft includes the free NFL Draft Experience, which is a free football festival.

NFL fans will be able to test their football skills and enjoy interactive exhibits. Fans can also experience the Combine Corner. Fans can run the 40-yard dash or test their vertical jump, just like at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The NFL Draft Experience also includes autograph sessions, and fans can take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Can’t you imagine your kid enjoying these football activities along the shores of Lake Erie?

The 2021 NFL Draft will make Cleveland millions

Nashville crushed the record for direct spending by visitors at the NFL Draft. Nashville (2019): $132.8 million

Dallas (2018): $74 million

Philly (2017): $56.1 million

Chicago (2015): $43.9 million@tnnaterau breaks down all the NFL Draft numbers here: https://t.co/Y7n6M9ra7P — Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) May 22, 2019

The NFL Draft has proven to be a massive boom for cities that have hosted the three-day event. According to WSMV in Nashville, the NFL Draft generated $133 million in direct spending and $224 million in economic impact for “Music City, U.S.A.”

Those numbers were $98 million and $58.8 million ahead of the respective projections for the 2018 NFL Draft in Dallas!

The draft reached record numbers in 2019 in attendance and national TV viewership, eclipsing records set in 2018. The 2019 draft was broadcasted over three days and attracted more than 47.5 million total viewers and over 600,000 in attendance.

Maybe Cleveland can use that money to keep their star players here. I am just kidding. I know the money does not go to the teams, but what city does not need improvements in their infrastructure? Schools? I can go on and on, but the millions earned will continue to catapult the city into one of the elite destination cities throughout the world.

Final Thoughts

Cleveland Browns fans have suffered enough. Red Right 88! The Fumble! The Drive! Hue Jackson?!?

The incompetent front office moves made Browns fans both laugh and cry. The never-ending search for the franchise quarterback was exhausting to no end. Well, until Baker Mayfield arrived.

Presently, there is hope in Cleveland. The franchise turnaround is on full throttle, and the culture here is heading toward legitimacy for the city of Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns franchise. The Browns are legitimate playoff contenders and the NFL seems to agree by placing the Browns in four prime time matchups. Additionally, the Cleveland Browns players will have a new look in 2020 with the introduction to new uniforms.

Everyone saw what the city could do during the Lebron James tenures with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians going to the World Series. The Browns are finally providing hope, and the city of Cleveland is no longer the doormat of the sports world. Fans in Cleveland should be proud. They will need to demonstrate that identity in the next several years with the eyes of the national sports fans watching. Come on everyone, join in the celebration.