The 2026 NFL Draft is heading to Pittsburgh with a clear nod to the league's past and present, as the NFL rolls out a wide mix of former stars and active players to announce first-round picks. Every franchise will have a voice on stage, turning what is usually a procedural moment into something more personal. From Hall of Fame icons to current locker-room leaders, the lineup reflects how the league wants this event to feel connected across generations, not just focused on the next wave of talent.
Who Are the Selection Announcers for the 2026 NFL Draft First Round?
The NFL has confirmed a full slate of representatives for all 32 teams, and the list carries both weight and variety. Several franchises are leaning on legacy names, while others have opted for more recent figures who still feel close to today's game.
NFC Teams
- Arizona Cardinals: James Conner
- Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner
- Carolina Panthers: Mark Ingram
- Chicago Bears: Shane Conlan
- Dallas Cowboys: Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson
- Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson
- Green Bay Packers: John Kuhn
- Los Angeles Rams: Tavon Austin
- Minnesota Vikings: Dwight Stephenson
- New Orleans Saints: Marques Colston
- New York Giants: Osi Umenyiora
- Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Westbrook
- San Francisco 49ers: Andy Lee
- Seattle Seahawks: Cliff Avril
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber
- Washington Commanders: Mark Rypien
AFC Teams
- Baltimore Ravens: Mark Ingram
- Buffalo Bills: Shane Conlan
- Cincinnati Bengals: Jimbo Covert
- Cleveland Browns: Ken Anderson
- Denver Broncos: T. J. Ward
- Houston Texans: Billy Miller
- Indianapolis Colts: Pat McAfee
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Paul Posluszny
- Kansas City Chiefs: Bill Maas
- Las Vegas Raiders: Matt Millen
- Los Angeles Chargers: Shawne Merriman
- Miami Dolphins: Dwight Stephenson
- New England Patriots: Deion Branch
- New York Jets: Curtis Martin
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerome Bettis, Joey Porter Jr., Joey Porter Sr., John Stallworth
- Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons
Pittsburgh's presence is hard to miss. With the draft set in their city, the Steelers will have four representatives, blending eras and even family ties. That choice feels intentional. It gives the home crowd something familiar while reinforcing the franchise's long-standing identity. Beyond that, the list quietly tells its own story. Names like Tony Dorsett, Calvin Johnson, and Jerome Bettis bring historical weight, while players such as James Conner and Jeffery Simmons keep the tone current. It is not just nostalgia. It is a reminder that the draft connects different timelines of the league at once.
Historical Significance of the 2026 Draft
The event itself also carries some historical significance. This marks the first time since 1948 that Pittsburgh will host the draft, with activities spread across Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium. The schedule remains traditional: Round 1 on Thursday night, Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, and the remaining rounds on Saturday. In total, 257 players are expected to hear their names called.
For viewers, access remains wide. Broadcast coverage will run across ESPN, ABC, NFL Network and ESPN Deportes, with streaming available through ESPN App, NFL+, Disney+ and Hulu.
What stands out this year is not just who gets drafted, but who gets to welcome them in. That moment on stage, brief as it is, now carries a bit more history behind it.
