Brandon McGinley: Drafting Pittsburgh
April 17, 2026
In a recent column, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial page editor Brandon McGinley uses the city's selection as the host for the upcoming NFL Draft as a central metaphor for its current moment of opportunity and responsibility. He frames the major national event as a moment where Pittsburgh has been "picked," and now must rise to the occasion to define its own narrative on a national stage. McGinley contends that this is a chance for the city to showcase its unique character and strengths, urging a confident and proactive approach to the spotlight.
McGinley’s "Drafting Pittsburgh" piece argues against a strain of local pessimism, which he characterizes as an "Eeyore attitude." He suggests that some residents are overly focused on the potential negatives, such as temporary disruptions, rather than the long-term benefits of national exposure. In his view, the city has been given a significant opportunity to challenge any lingering perceptions of being a place of the past and to assert itself as a dynamic and relevant urban center. The column posits that successfully hosting the draft will not only bring immediate economic activity but will also shape how the city is viewed by a national audience for years to come.
The piece highlights the importance of civic pride and hospitality in this endeavor. McGinley asserts that the impressions of visitors who come to Pittsburgh for the event are crucial. Positive personal experiences, he argues, are the most effective way to generate good will and encourage future tourism and investment. This emphasis on the human element aligns with his broader writing themes, which often advocate for a focus on local communities and the tangible aspects of city life. The column serves as a call to action for residents to embrace the role of hosts and actively participate in presenting the best version of their city.
This perspective is consistent with McGinley's other recent writings, which often explore Pittsburgh's unique geographical and cultural position. He has previously written about the city's need to leverage its distinctive assets rather than mimicking other, more generic, boomtowns. His work frequently touches on themes of localism and the importance of a strong, self-aware civic identity in navigating contemporary economic and political challenges. In this context, the NFL Draft is not just a sporting event, but a high-stakes test of Pittsburgh's ability to project its identity with confidence.
Ultimately, McGinley's column frames the NFL Draft as a pivotal moment that transcends the event itself. It is presented as an opportunity for a collective civic undertaking, a chance to "run up the score" in terms of public perception and civic self-esteem. The coming weeks and months will determine how Pittsburgh responds to being "picked," and whether it can capitalize on this moment to draft a more confident and prosperous future for itself in the national imagination. The success of this endeavor, in his view, will depend on the city's ability to come together and showcase the very qualities that make it a special place.
Source: postgazette