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Virtually all NFL players come via the US college system, and in many parts of America, college football is more popular than the NFL.

College games often have bigger crowds – eight of the world’s 10 biggest stadiums are for college football, all holding more than 100,000.

The fans are also more passionate as support is often passed down from one generation to another, and multiple generations attend the same school. Kansas player Calvin Clements, for example, is a fifth-generation Jayhawk.

Actor Paul Rudd is also a Jayhawk, while lifelong fan Jason Sudeikis grew up in Kansas and frequently weaves KU references into his work.

“They’re very spirited, and you get the tribalism, so it’s the closest thing we have to European football fanbases,” Dubiski told BBC Sport.

Both the NFL and college football have tailgate parties, where fans gather in the car park and eat and drink for hours before the game.

But college football fans chant during games, which feature marching bands and spirit squads – made up of cheerleaders, dancers and mascots.

“We want the game to showcase what we think is one of the greatest sports in America,” said Yormark.

“There’s something special about college football – the pageantry, the traditions, the fandom. It’s dynamic – there’s a lot of energy and passion. It truly is an experience.”

Draper will not qualify for a protected ranking if he does return in January, as only those who are out for over six months are able to retain the ranking they had when they left the tour.

He is currently ranked 155, which means he would require wildcards or have to come through qualifying to play in Grand Slams and ATP Tour events.

But none of that will worry him if he is able to play freely and without so much pain.

Draper peaked at four in the world last June after winning a first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells and finishing runner-up at another in Madrid.

“Last summer, all the dedication and work I had put into this sport was coming together,” Draper added.

“It was all going my way and the path seemed so clear. However a complicated injury made things incredibly challenging, and since that moment I’ve been desperately trying to get back and feel as I once did on the court.

“Managing so much change, adversity and pain has helped me to grow massively in many areas of my life but has also made me feel a level of fatigue.”

Draper has taken a holiday with friends in recent weeks and has been trying to aid his recovery by taking a mental break from the sport.

He is expected to make a gradual return to training over the next few weeks, as his team try to work out the principal causes of the injury.