NFL Draft picks chose their walkout songs. Here’s why each individual track fits

Walking on stage for the NFL Draft wasn’t just about putting on a new hat, sporting a stylish suit and being greeted by commissioner Roger Goodell.

The NFL announced prospect walkout songs prior to the start of the draft for players in attendance in Green Bay, Wis. Of the 15 songs announced, Gunna (four songs) was the most popular artist. All of the tracks except one were hip-hop-influenced, and the theme of achieving success against the odds comes up repeatedly.

Draft prospects in Green Bay each selected a song to walk out to as they get drafted 🎶

Which songs are you vibing with? #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yDdZEK6juo

— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2025

Outside of their choice in custom suits, the chosen songs gave the players a chance to show another part of their personality that might not be evident on the field.

The Athletic decided to look at each of the songs selected and take a guess as to why it works for the respective athlete. Thirteen of the 15 players heard their track during Thursday’s first round.

(Editor’s note: Listed below is a Spotify playlist of nine of the 15 walkout songs. The other six tracks, which feature explicit lyrics and did not have edited versions on Spotify, are linked under the players’ names.)

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (No. 1 pick, Tennessee Titans)

Song: “Freestyle” by Rod Wave

Wave has finally made it in this song. His words: “I always knew this day would come, yeah.” He’s going to take care of his mother and buy a luxury vehicle. Ward now can say much of the same as the top pick and new face of the Titans franchise.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (No. 2, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Song: “Let It All Work Out” by Lil Wayne

The title fits in multiple ways. Jacksonville worked out a trade to move up and select Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner. Will Hunter play offense? Defense? Both? It’ll be up to the Jaguars to work all of that out.

Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State (No. 3, New York Giants)

Song: “Bout My Money” by OT7 Quanny

If you’ve noticed the jewels worn by some of the top draft picks, it’s obvious there are players who are about their money. Legit pass rushers are at a premium, so if Carter lives up to expectations, he will make plenty of money in his career.

Will Campbell, OT, LSU (No. 4, New England Patriots)

Song: “Right Above It” by Lil Wayne (featuring Drake)

“Now tell me how you love it. You know you at the top when only heaven is right above it.” That’s part of Wayne’s chorus, which captures what it must feel like to be a top-five pick in the draft. Campbell figures to step in at left tackle for the Patriots — and if all goes well, there won’t be anyone above him in the NFL at that position down the road.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan (No. 5, Cleveland Browns)

Song: “bottom” by Gunna

Does a top-five pick start at the bottom? Sure, if you believe rookies have to earn their respect. Graham wasn’t at the bottom of rankings, hence his being selected by the Browns.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (No. 6, Las Vegas Raiders)

Song: “clear my rain” by Gunna (featuring Leon Bridges)

Gunna and Bridges are infatuated with a woman in this song. The Raiders, in desperate need of offensive playmakers, are the perfect football marriage for Jeanty. He’ll have plenty of chances to impress for Las Vegas.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (No. 8, Carolina Panthers)

Song: “Thank You Lord” by Kealamauloa Alcon (featuring Jeremiah Kahuakai Kaholoaa)

“Today’s the day I rise up and say. Today’s the day when my life will change.” The first receiver selected chose an inspirational song by two Hawaiian artists. It’s also a nod to his roots. McMillan was born in Hawaii and was named Polynesian College Football Player of the Year by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama (No. 12, Dallas Cowboys)

Song: “Imaginary Players” by Jay-Z

The oldest song selected by the rookies, it was on Jay-Z’s 1997 “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1” album. A perfect choice for an offensive lineman, a group that doesn’t receive the glory of the skill positions, but is vital to success.

Shemar Stewart, edge, Texas A&M (No. 17, Cincinnati Bengals)

Song: “Forever” by Drake (featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem)

One of the best songs from a sports film. It was originally on the soundtrack for “More than a Game,” a documentary that follows LeBron James and his high school teammates in Akron, Ohio. Drake’s opening line after the chorus is “Last name Ever, first name Greatest” — a nice way for a draft pick to enter the NFL.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (No. 23, Green Bay Packers)

Song: “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK (featuring Outkast)

Andre 3000 was giving up the bachelor’s life and getting married in the video for this song that features two legendary Southern rap duos. Golden is from Houston, so going with one of UGK’s most popular mainstream songs is a nod to his roots. UGK is from Port Arthur, Texas, about 90 miles east of Houston.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (No. 27, Baltimore Ravens)

Song: “Get Ready” by Rod Wave (featuring Kodak Black)

“It took a whole lot of blood and sweat, tears. I don’t owe anybody anything, get that clear.” One of my favorite songs from the night, a melodic flow with a familiar theme on draft night: overcoming the odds. But this one has a gospel feel to it.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (No. 30, Buffalo Bills)

Song: “HIM ALL ALONG” by Gunna

Cornerbacks are synonymous with confidence. No need to tell the best corners that they are good, they walk on the field believing they are “him” which is a trait elite defensive backs tend to have.

Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (No. 31, Philadelphia Eagles)

Song: “Free Promo” by Lil Baby

Here’s a song that is braggadocious about the work it took to be successful in the face of detractors along the way. A rookie entering the league with the mindset of working hard is fitting.

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan, (No. 47, Arizona Cardinals)

Song: “Toast Up” by Gunna

Celebrating in the face of your adversaries is the theme of the song. A knee injury might have knocked Johnson down on some draft boards, but he is certainly looking forward to celebrating success against the teams that passed on him.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (No. 92, Seattle Seahawks)

Song: “Walk Thru” by Rich Homie Quan

“I be feeling like the man when I walk thru.” That’s the opening line from the late rapper’s 2013 hit song. Milroe will need to feel that confidence when he steps into an NFL huddle after a standout career for the Crimson Tide.

(Top photo of Travis Hunter: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)