Pittsburgh Steelers' International Fan of the Year Tom McCormack came from Dublin, Ireland, to watch the NFL Draft. McCormack announced the Steelers’ sixth round draft pick last year - Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. [Karen Mansfield]
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Stella Vallecorsa, 16, of Hopewell Township came to the first day of the NFL Draft with her family.
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Football fans found out if they had what it takes to kick a field goal. [Karen Mansfield]
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A fan practices a vertical jump on Thursday at the NFL Draft. [Karen Mansfield]
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Football fans pose for a quick pic at the NFL Draft on Thursday. [Karen Mansfield]
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Victoria and Dominik Rettberg of Buffalo, N.Y., want the Buffalo Bills' general manager, Brandon Beane, to get QB Josh Allen a little help. [Karen Mansfield]
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Jill Barletti and Sue Richards sport their black and gold on Thursday at the NFL Draft. The New Castle women are Steelers season ticket holders. [Karen Mansfield]
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Pope Yinzer and Steeler Jesus gave their blessing to a group from Orange, Calif., who want to have their bar recognized as a Pittsburgh Steelers-friendly venue. [Karen Mansfield]
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Pope Yinzer (Don Zadach of Finleyville) and Steeler Jesus (Sean Steinmetz of North Hills) have faith that their Black and Gold will draft the right players. [Karen Mansfield]
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The Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders made an appearance Thursday at the NFL Draft.
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Keystone Oaks graduates and high school friends said the NFL Draft was a once-in-a-lifetime event and planned to spend Thursday enjoying all the activities offered. [Karen Mansfield]
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This group of international fans traveled to Pittsburgh from Germany, France and Canada for the draft. [Karen Mansfield]
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Deejay "Cat Daddy" Howell drove from Charlotte, N.C., with his son – who was still sleeping when this early morning photo was taken – to witness the NFL Draft. Howell said he makes the trip to all the Pitt Panthers' football games. [Karen Mansfield]
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A look at the stage before NFL football draftees take to the stage later today [Karen Mansfield]
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In a few hours, this area will be filled with a sea of football fans for the start of the NFL Draft. [Karen Mansfield]
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The countdown clock welcomes visitors to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. [Karen Mansfield]
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Seattle Seahawks fans Greg Powell, left, and Wallace Watts, aka "Captain Seahawk," got a look at the draft stage Thursday morning before the crowds arrived. [Karen Mansfield]
Our intrepid reporter Karen Mansfield was up before dawn to make the trek into Pittsburgh to talk to fans gathering for the first day of the 2026 NFL Draft. She arrived early to capture some photos before the thousands descend upon the North Shore in advance of tonightÄ¢¹½ÊÓÆµ festivities, which get underway at 8 p.m. Check back throughout the day for more photos.
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