HARRISBURG, Pa. — The annual NFL draft is filled with football fans across the nation of all ages. For 7-year-old Anthony Smith, his trip to Detroit was a one-of-a-kind experience that included a personal invite from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
"I met Rodger Goodell at the food court and we rubbed arms in the buffet line," said Smith. "We kicked it, off from there it started from food to pigskin."
Smith was attending an NFL films event in New Jersey when he first met Goodell. One surprise was good enough and the second was the NFL draft invite.
"I just didn’t think it was going to happen. I was like that’s a great gesture and I really appreciate it," said Anthony's dad TJ Smith. "Roger's assistants reached out and made all the arrangements and got us all the information that we needed to get what we needed to get and be where we needed to be."
Smith was able to get exclusive backstage access with Goodell for the entire night of the draft. He also got his own custom-made suit that stole the show as well.
"He picked out his sneakers, his Nike dunks to go with his suit and everywhere we went everyone was loving his outfit," said TJ Smith. "Multiple people were asking to take pictures and them saying he looks like he was getting drafted."
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Anthony was something he will never forget and one he knows just how lucky he was to receive.
"Most people my age are probably watching cartoons or watching SpongeBob," said Anthony Smith. "There is nothing you can trade me to give away that experience."