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The NFL draft has been in New York since 1965 and is usually filled with New York Jets and Giants fans. That could change if New Orleans convinces the league to move the draft.

updated 5:53 p.m. ET July 14, 2007

NEW ORLEANS - Call it fourth and long: New Orleans officials hope to land one the biggest events in pro football — the NFL draft.

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seeking to host the annual draft and turn it into a weeklong celebration — complete with events including a Mardi Gras-style parade and civic events involving retired NFL players.

The draft either would be held at the convention center or the New Orleans Arena, said Jay Cicero, the foundation president leading the effort. The NFL has not responded to the plan, he said in Saturday editions of The Times-Picayune.

New York has hosted the draft since 1965. It’s set to be held in April at Radio Music City Hall next year, and NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is committed to that event.

After that, he said, “we will review our options, including the possibility of taking the draft to other locations.”

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