Over the years, the NFL has gotten creative in finding ways to keep everyone engaged throughout NFL Draft weekend. One of those ways has involved guests announcing picks on Day 2 and Day 3 after commissioner Roger Goodell reads out the picks for the first round. This year, the Bucs will be represented by both longtime defensive lineman Will Gholston and legendary professional wrestler Ric Flair.
Gholston will announce the Bucs’ second-round pick (No. 57), as well as their first third-round pick (No. 89).
It’s a special honor for the veteran defensive lineman, who recently re-signed with the Bucs and is entering his 12th season with the team.
But it’s even more meaningful for him considering this year’s draft is being held in Detroit. The 32-year-old was born in Detroit and played his college football at nearby Michigan State in East Lansing, so Friday will be something of a homecoming for him.
When Gholston was asked on a recent edition of the Pewter Report Podcast whether he had interest in signing with his hometown Lions this offseason instead of returning to Tampa Bay for another year, he referred to himself as a “Buccaneer man” and said he would rather not be that close to home.
“Consider? You always consider your options when you have options,” Gholston said. “But I don’t think I would want to play anywhere else. That’s the true answer. I’m definitely a Buccaneer man. Plus I think that’s way too close to home. Here, in Tampa, I still have a lot of privacy. I don’t think I would have the same privacy if I played in Detroit.”
Nonetheless, it should be quite the experience for Gholston, who has long been a great representative of the Bucs.
Reveal Of The Bucs’ Other Third-Round Pick Will Have Some Flair To It
Three picks after Gholston announces the Bucs’ first third-round selection, he’ll tag in Flair, a Hall of Fame professional wrestler who resides in Tampa.
The Rolex-wearin’, diamond ring wearin’, kiss-stealin’, wheelin’ n’ dealin’, limousine ridin’, jet flyin’ son of a gun will announce Tampa Bay’s other third-round pick, the No. 92 overall selection. There’s some irony that the one pick that Gholston isn’t announcing is No. 92, his jersey number, but Flair’s appearance is sure to make for a memorable moment.
This isn’t the first time that “The Nature Boy” has been involved with the Bucs in recent months. Back in January, he was the “Captain of the Krewe” ahead of Tampa Bay’s home playoff win over Philadelphia. He also appeared on ESPN before that game and picked the Bucs to beat the Eagles. That prediction did come to fruition, as the home team rolled to a 32-9 win.
Flair later proclaimed his respect for both the Bucs and quarterback Baker Mayfield after their season-ending loss to the Lions in the NFC Divisional Round.
The Over/Under on the number of “WOO”s during Flair’s appearance is currently unknown, but if you’re the betting type, the over feels safe — whatever that number might turn out to be.
More must-reads: