Roger Goodell

Viewership for Thursday night's NFL Draft was the second-highest the league has ever seen, but it still beat the Oscars from last weekend.

The 2021 NFL Draft begins in Cleveland, Ohio, on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET and fans will be able to attend.

A protocol designed for teams with positive tests is now mandatory for all 32 teams, including grab-and-go meal service and limited people in weight rooms.

Sayers only played for seven years, but was a celebrated player in his time on the field for the Chicago Bears.

The Houston Texans remained in the locker room during the national anthem on Thursday night's season opener in Kansas City.

"The NFL in 2020 will not look like other years," the commissioner said Monday. "Even the sideline will look different."

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" was written in 1899, and here's the history of the song that will be played before each NFL game during Week 1 of the 2020 regular season.

"Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it's gonna take a team to make that decision," Goodell said. "But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that."

A majority of Americans now believe it is OK for NFL players to kneel during the national anthem to protest the killing of black Americans.

Since Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the national anthem in 2016, the president has staunchly opposed the protests.

On Friday, the NFL commissioner acknowledged the league had not heard the calls of black players demanding justice for racial discrimination.

Finally, sports are back. There wasn't action on the field, court or gridiron anytime soon, but sports were back in a big way Thursday night as the 2020 NFL Draft began. Here are the final results of picks from Thursday night.

For starters, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce Draft picks from his basement.

The NFL commissioner suggested the former 49ers QB was out of football as no team thought he'd improve them.

The no-call cost the Saints a shot at reaching Super Bowl LIII and completely overshadowed the outcome of the game.

Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) wants Roger Goodell to "answer some important questions" over the NFC Championship Game.

"First time kneeling, out for game. Second time kneeling, out for season/no pay!" Trump said.

McMahon won't want to take on the NFL directly.

The NFL alternative failed after one season in 2001.

There are questions about whether Newton was checked out thoroughly enough.

This probably isn't the real reason.

Jones has been angry with Roger Goodell.

Goodell has been NFL Commissioner since 2006.

Goodell's new contract could be worth up to a reported $200 million.

The league plans to donate $89 million to social justice causes, but Eric Reid has called it a "charade."

Players are divided over the idea.

What happens when the commissioner and perhaps the most powerful owner in the league face off?

This is no longer unthinkable.

Well, it's one option.

Imagine: The Kaep Crusader suits up for the Cardinals in time to play the winless 49ers. You'll watch.