The 2017 NFL Draft moves to a new location this year: Philadelphia, Pa.
ESPN’s three-day draft telecast (Thursday-Saturday) will originate from outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just a screen pass from the museum steps that Rocky Balboa made famous.
The new destination is a perfect fit considering the many connections that ESPN’s commentators and NFL experts have to the City of Brotherly Love, including native Philadelphians and plenty of former Eagles players and front office staff.
As a preview to NFL Draft Week, Front Row asked some of Philly’s finest to share their favorite place to eat or visit in this great American city.
Other ESPN commentators with Philly ties
- Joe Banner, NFL Insider — Philadelphia Eagles team president from 1995–2012.
- Adam Caplan, NFL Insider — Grew up in Cheltenham, Pa., and currently lives in Malvern, Pa.
- Herm Edwards, NFL analyst — Philadelphia Eagles defensive back from 1977–1985.
- Mike Golic, ESPN Radio host — Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman from 1987–1992.
- Jon Gruden, NFL analyst — Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator from 1995–1999.
- Ron Jaworski, NFL analyst — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback from 1977–1986. Co-owner of the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul. He lives in South Jersey.
- Donovan McNabb, ESPN Radio host — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback from 1999–2009 and the No. 2 overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.
- Stephen A. Smith, First Take host — Worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer for 16 years (1994-2010).
- Trey Wingo, NFL host — Worked as a sports anchor/reporter for WFMZ-TV in Allentown, Pa., early in his career.
Suzy Kolber … the NFL host who grew up in Dresher, Pa.:
“My favorite Philly place has always been the Philadelphia Zoo. Whether it was with my family, all dressed in matching shirts visiting the zoo when my brother and I were little kids, or many, ‘many’ years later still choosing the zoo as my destination of choice to celebrate my birthday, the Philadelphia Zoo will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Kevin Negandhi … the SportsCenter anchor grew up in Phoenixville, Pa., and attended Temple University:
(Photo courtesy Kevin Negandhi/ESPN)
“My favorite Philly place? This sounds like a trick question. Naturally, I would say the sports complex in South Philly where all four major sports teams are centrally located and the skyline view from Citizens Bank is amazing. Or I’d go with The Palestra, which is the cathedral of college hoops steeped with Big 5 history. Outside of sports, it’s Old City. The cobblestone roads, Independence Mall, Penns Landing, 2nd Street, there are so many things to do in that area. There’s authenticity on every street that represents Philly.”
Sal Paolantonio … ESPN’s Philadelphia-based reporter previously covered sports and politics for the Philadelphia Inquirer and still lives in South Jersey:
“After dinner in town, I save dessert for John’s Water Ice, at the corner of 7th and Christian in South Philly. Homemade, one of a kind. Chocolate is killer. But on a hot summer night: got to have lemon, especially after a Phillies game.”
Louis Riddick … the NFL Insider, is a Quakertown, Pa., native who worked in the Philadelphia Eagles front office from 2008-13, including three years as director of pro personnel:
“Del Frisco’s. Great atmosphere, great menu, fantastic staff. I plan on being there a lot during draft week!”
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