Ahead of all fantasy football drafts, there is great anticipation when it comes to who will receive the No. 1 overall pick.
That selection gives team owners the chance to draft whichever player they’d like ahead of the 2025 fantasy football season.
That came true for Michael from Illinois over Labor Day weekend, except it was much more special than others.
Vegas Fantasy Draft Hosted by Matt Ryan Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM
Michael had his name pulled first by former MVP Matt Ryan in the BetMGM Sportsbook at the Aria Resort & Casino Autograph Collection as part of the Vegas Fantasy Draft Sweepstakes by Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM.
Not only did he get his name pulled first by a former All-Pro quarterback, he won the sweepstakes and got to bring 11 family and friends to Las Vegas for the weekend, highlighted by Ryan hosting the fantasy draft.
All Michael had to do to enter was link his Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM accounts.
“Honestly, it’s the first time I have ever been part of fantasy football, let alone hosting a draft for it,” Ryan said ahead of the draft. “… I am curious to see everyone’s process. Some people are super detailed and organized, and other people just wing it. You never know what strategy is going to work.”
Ryan added: “My experience with fantasy football has typically been fans yelling at me, ‘Dude, why did you only have 146 yards passing and one touchdown?’ And I’m like, ‘We won by 15. What is the problem?’”
After entering the draft room in a private section at the BetMGM Sportsbook, Ryan was greeted with a warm reception and went over the normal draft rules ahead of the draft. The former QB guided the participants through all 15 rounds, providing great banter, as well as giving advice and insights along the way.
“I love that guy. Great pick,” Ryan said following one of the selections in the first round.
Ryan, who now works as an analyst for CBS Sports, also didn’t hold back.
“Finally, about time,” he said when a player he thought would’ve been selected early in the draft went in the fourth round.
During the breaks between rounds, Ryan answered questions from the group, including how his nickname of Matty Ice came about, the hardest hit he ever took, the toughest defensive players he faced, his halftime routine, and many more.
During another break, Ryan took time to meet 1-on-1 with the 12 league members to sign autographs and have individual conversations. Most opted to get their personalized jerseys that they received for the draft signed, as well as special footballs.
Although one league member took it to the next level, asking Ryan to sign the top of his bald head.
“First time I’ve ever done that!” Ryan said, which is something coming from someone who played 15 seasons in the NFL.
After close to 2.5 hours, the draft concluded and Ryan was just as into it as he was when the first pick was called.
“I am really looking forward to getting the follow-up at the end of the year,” he said. “I want to know how it all shook out, how all these teams did, and who was the winner.”
Las Vegas – A Travel Destination
In addition to the draft, the weekend included airfare, a three-night stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection, and a packed itinerary inclusive of a welcome reception at The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails and a dinner at the captivating The Mayfair Supper Club.
Ryan, who turned 40 years old earlier in the year, is a big fan of the city.
“I love coming to Vegas,” he said. “I think it is such a cool place because whatever you’re into, you can find it. You can have so many different trips out here, right? You can have a trip with your buddies. I love to play golf – Shadow Creek is incredible out here. You can have a golf trip and add on a little bit of gambling, some fun nights, dinners – things like that. I have been out here for Super Bowls, so a big sporting event, that kind of week, where there’s a different type of energy and buzz in the town.
“I have also been out here on a couple’s trip and spent time with my wife, done some really cool dinners, seen shows, and enjoyed some of the spas out here. So, I think it is one of those places where whatever you’re looking for, you can find it. I really enjoy coming out here.”
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