LAS VEGAS – "Football and poker."
Long-time Titans season ticket holder Richard Pearl is in heaven here this week, attending the NFL Draft as a guest of the team. He's here with his wife, Melisa, living it up.
"It is truly unbelievable," Pearl said from the Grand Patio at The Bellagio. "I've been a season ticket holder since '99, and when we were told about this opportunity, it was 'What? Are you kidding me? Is this really happening?
"I am crying. I haven't slept in two days. This is unbelievable."
The Pearls, who are from Murfreesboro, were selected to receive the NFL Draft Experience, courtesy of the Titans.
On Wednesday night, they had dinner with fans from the NFL's other 31 teams, where they took pictures – and even hugged – Commissioner Roger Goodell.
On Thursday, they'll walk the Red Carpet before the NFL Draft, and they'll present the jersey to the team's draft pick. They're scheduled to announce a Titans pick later in the draft. It's just part of a jam-packed schedule.
"We are very honored, and so grateful," Melisa Pearl said. "And we love our Titans. We are really grateful."
The Pearls sit in Section 331, Row A, at Nissan Stadium. They regularly attend games, and they also travel to road games during the year.
Initially they thought they were headed to Vegas to be a part of the Inner Circle, an experience for roughly 20 fans of each team.
Then they found out they'd hit the jackpot.
"My season ticket rep (Logan Ryan) called and said: Do you want to go to the NFL Draft?," Richard Pearl said. "And I was like, "Yeah, how much?" He said the Titans were going to take care of your hotel and accommodations.
"Football and poker, that's me. So, I'm in a great place."
