A Photographer’s Perspective: My NFL Draft 2018 Experience at AT&T Stadium
Attending the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys, was nothing short of a dream come true. As a lifelong football fan, this event was a bucket list moment for me. Although I didn’t plan the event, I made sure to arrive a day early to soak in the behind-the-scenes action. The logistics were mind-blowing, with every detail meticulously planned and executed to perfection.
The day before the draft, I explored the setup at the stadium, taking in the scale of what was about to unfold. I was fortunate enough to witness interviews with some of the top prospects—an exciting prelude to the big day. The anticipation was palpable, and I could hardly wait for the main event.
When the big day finally arrived, it exceeded all my expectations. The energy in the air was electric as I watched some of football’s biggest names walk the red carpet. From Nick Saban to Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, and even the legendary Roger Staubach, it was a star-studded affair. I couldn’t believe I was standing just a few feet away from these icons, capturing their every move at the Cowboys’ iconic home.
One of the highlights of the day was heading down to the photographers’ pit. I found myself standing next to the photographer for the New York Giants, who quickly became a friend. I spent about six hours in the pit, waiting for the Dallas Cowboys' first pick of the night. When the moment finally arrived, my new friend helped me maneuver to the front of the stage, right in the heart of the action. It was surreal to be surrounded by professional photographers with their massive cameras while I stood there with my little camera. But I held my own, even getting several players to look directly at me as I captured the moment.
What impressed me most was the entire production at AT&T Stadium—from the signage to the prizes left on the seats for fans. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience, and it was clear that a tremendous amount of effort went into making the event a success.
Reflecting on that day, I’m still in awe of the experience. It was a perfect blend of my passions for photography and football, and I left with a renewed appreciation for the work that goes into creating such a massive event. The NFL Draft 2018 at AT&T Stadium wasn’t just an event; it was a milestone in my journey as both a photographer and a fan.
Now, as football season approaches, I’m more ready than ever to dive back into the excitement. Go Cowboys! Wreck ‘em Tech! And wreck ‘em Chiefs!🏈📸
