Why Are NFL Draft Rooms Called War Rooms? The Answer Is Simple

Ever wonder why an NFL team's draft room is called a "War Room"?

A listener e-mailed me this question today. The answer isn't all that complicated.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, there are two simple definitions of "War Room".

1. a room where battles are planned that is equipped with maps, computers, etc.

2. a room where people meet and exchange plans, ideas, information, etc., in an active way.

Strategies are planned. Phone calls are made. Computer charts and big boards are all over the wall. Whether it's for military reasons or football reasons, a war room is a war room.

Those football war rooms share similarities to this military war room.

Merriam-Webster's full definitions of "War Room" lays out the full explanation.

1. A room at a military headquarters where maps showing the current status of troops in battle are maintained.

2. A room (as at a business headquarters) used for conferences and planning that is often specially equipped (as with computers, or charts).

Turns out most of us have been in a war room before, even if we didn't realize it.