The NFL Draft is this Thursday, April 23rd in Pittsburgh Pa. The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock and will make their first pick around 8:00 p.m. You can see when your favorite team will be making their picks here.

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If you’re a football fan in New York, watching the NFL from your couch might seem like the budget-friendly choice. No expensive tickets, no parking, no long lines. But new research shows that staying home for game day can add up over time.

The Cost Adds Up Over a Lifetime

iSelect found that New Yorkers could spend about $46,814 over their lifetime just to follow the NFL from home. That puts New York 8th in the nation for the highest total cost. Fans in the state spend about $866 per year, which is just over 1% of a typical household income.

Where Is All That Money Going?

It’s not just one big expense but a lot of smaller ones that build up over time. Streaming subscriptions to watch games. Cable or internet bills, and the electricity it takes to power your TV for hours every week during the season. Each one doesn't seem like a big deal but over time, those costs stack up in a big way.

Football Is Still Worth It for Many Fans

Even with the price tag, football is still a huge part of life for many people across New York. From Sunday afternoons to playoff runs (sorry Jet fans), it’s more than just the game. It’s the excitement.and feeling of being part of something bigger. Just don’t be surprised if your “cheap” game day ends up costing more than you thought.

MORE THAN YOU THINK: Notable NFL Players Born In Upstate New York

Many football heads point to Florida, California, and Texas as the biggest hubs of football talent, but upstate New York has had its fair share of players to become difference makers in the NFL.

Take a look at the players born in upstate New York who have lived the NFL dream!

The Last Ten "Mr. Irrelevant" Picks of the NFL Draft

Gallery Credit: Bert Remien

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