With the 2026 NFL Draft beginning tomorrow, the Green Bay Packers are set to bring a distinct Irish flair to one of American football's biggest stages. On Saturday, April 25, the team will announce a Day 3 selection live from the Irish Institute of Music and Song in Dublin, highlighting the passion of Packers fans in Ireland and celebrating the country's rich musical heritage.
Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Gavin James will take part in the festivities alongside young musicians from the Institute playing the traditional Irish harp. The group will add a uniquely Irish touch to the moment, performing ESPN's iconic "The Pick is In" chime as the broadcast cuts to Green Bay's pick, followed by a harp rendition of "Go Pack Go" as the selection is announced. The round of the Draft in which the pick will take place is still to be determined. James will announce the selection, if timing allows.
Located in Balbriggan, just north of Dublin, the Irish Institute of Music and Song is a nonprofit organization and premier music campus, featuring the 400-seat Lark Concert Hall and a dynamic academy dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Irish performers.
James, a patron of the Institute, is one of Ireland's most recognized musical talents, with more than two billion Spotify streams. Known for his emotive vocals and acoustic storytelling, he has toured globally with artists including Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.
The Dublin-based Draft moment is part of the Packers' broader commitment to growing the game internationally through the NFL's Global Markets Program. Since gaining marketing rights in Ireland last year, the organization has steadily expanded its presence, including hosting a "Packers Huddle" fan event in Dublin in September that brought together supporters for an immersive Packers fan experience featuring contests, entertainment, alumni appearances and Wisconsin-inspired fare.
The Packers' Irish connections will also be represented on-site at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where the Packers' nominee for International Fan of the Year, Stephen O'Brien, will announce an additional Day 3 pick. A native of Arklow, County Wicklow, O'Brien founded the UK and Ireland Packers fan club and has become a leading voice in the team's international fan community.
In recognition of his impact, the Packers commissioned a large-scale mural in O'Brien's hometown. Created by local artist and mental health advocate Stephen Considine, the 8-by-8-meter piece celebrates O'Brien's fandom and features Packers punter Daniel Whelan, another County Wicklow native. High-res images of the completed mural and O'Brien can be found at this link.
Whelan himself visited Dublin in February as part of a tour to connect with Packers fans and local sports communities in Ireland and the UK. An Ireland native, Whelan took part in a fan event, the Green & Gold Gathering, to meet with Packers fans and discuss football, fandom and the team's unique culture. He also visited with County Meath GAA at their Centre of Excellence during his time in Ireland, visiting the grounds and exchanging jerseys.
