A Wild Night of Surprises at the NFL Draft 9:10 AM ET Fri, 26 April 2013

For a moment, put aside all the debate about concussions and the long-term viability of football.

In 2013, the National Football League is the most popular professional league in America—and the most profitable. Perhaps, most amazing is that the NFL has made a six-month season into a 12-month business.

(Read More: Manti Te'o Misses Out on Millions at NFL Draft)

The NFL draft is a key part of the strategy as it serves to bridge the gap between one season and the next. It generates a huge amount of media and fan attention, while also becoming a revenue generator.

"It's bigger and bigger every year," said Commissioner Roger Goodell.