Draft Drama

Storytelling and Worldbuilding in Prime Time

Image included under fair use for purposes of education and commentary.

Elway to Marino is a 30 for 30 ESPN documentary focused on the tensions, negotiations, and decisions surrounding the top quarterback prospects in the 1983 National Football League (NFL) Draft.

I watched it for the first time a few days ago, although the film was released in 2013.

The NFL Draft is real-time storytelling and worldbuilding. Which player will be selected by what team is just the tip of the iceberg. The drama is in the various characters (players, family members, agents, coaches, team executives) and a myriad of pressures and competing interests.

If you want some inspiration for a well-woven, multi-character drama, watch this documentary or the upcoming NFL Draft. The 2026 NFL Draft begins soon after the publishing of this article.

The NFL certainly has its share of on-the-field and off-the-field controversies. There even were allegations mentioned in the Elway to Marino documentary that the NFL league office meddled in the trade discussions of teams during the 1983 draft.

Allegations or actualities of less-than-fair dealing can put a damper on the purity of unfolding events. Sage advice is always to have a few grains of salt ready as you make your own assessments, whatever the topic.

Nevertheless, the NFL Draft provides an abundance of storytelling and worldbuilding elements to study and spark your own creativity.

• Intractable personal conflicts

• Creating narratives to influence opinions

• Negotiations and playing competing sides against each other

• High-pressure decision-making, the selection clock is always ticking

• Rumors and intelligence gathering to gain an advantage

• Butterfly effects where choices can have cascading, unforeseen impacts

Have stories from the world of sport influenced your storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comments.