NFL Draft Combine posts record-breaking TV ratings
Need proof of pro football’s immense popularity? The NFL Scouting Combine enjoyed record viewership numbers as fans tuned in to watch next month’s draft picks run, jump and give interviews.
Yes, we need our football fix.
The NFL Network revealed its Combine viewership numbers, showing that the most watched day was Saturday. That’s no surprise, given that the receivers, the fastest players at the NFL Combine, were running their 40s. And they didn’t disappoint. According to the NFL Network, Saturday’s coverage averaged just under 400,000 viewers. It was the most watched day three on record on the network.
Of course, football fans were at home to take in Saturday’s scenes. Former Texas star receiver Xavier Worthy sizzled across the track inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. He blazed to a 4.25 time in the 40 on his first try. Then he went for the NFL Combine record. He posted an unofficial time of 4.22, which tied the record, on his second try. But that was the unofficial time. The crowd roared its delight when the official time read 4.21, beating the old record, set by John Ross seven years ago, by .01.
Plus, the quarterbacks worked out, although the top three NFL Combine quarterback prospects sat out the drills. So fans could see Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix toss the deep ball. And they could watch the interviews of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, who could be the top three selections of the draft. The running backs also worked out Saturday.
Meanwhile, the big dudes ran and worked out Thursday to open the four-day NFL Combine. That’s when viewers watched the defensive linemen and the linebackers do the drills to test their speed and agility. The NFL Network said 185,000 viewers took in the opening session. That is a 23 percent increase from last year. The numbers include TV and digital viewership.
On Friday, defensive backs and tight ends worked out at the NFL Combine. The viewership averaged 175,000. It was a seven percent increase from last year.
Overall, the NFL Combine averaged 251,000 viewers a day. It made it the most-watched combine in six years. It also saw a 12 percent bump from 2023.
The scouting process continues with on-campus pro days for hundreds of prospects. Then teams will host select prospects for on-site visits. The NFL Draft is April 25-27, with the festivities going live from Detroit.