The NFL, formerly known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), kicked off its journey in 1920 with ten football teams. The league’s popularity spread over the boundary of America after it gave birth to legendary players like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, etc.
Hence, the NFL decided to spread the craze of American football among the whole nation in 2007. As a motive for that, the authorities decided to arrange some games internationally, and this season they also decided to hold on to the tradition.
NFL takes to Europe next month with games in England, Germany
The NFL revealed in May of this year that five NFL games this season would be played in London and Germany. The first international games of this season will feature a battle between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. It will be the Jaguar’s 10th regular-season home game in London.
On October 8, Jaguars fans can witness another international game against the Buffalo Bills at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With the match, the Jaguars will be able to write down their names in the league history of being the first team to play two games in an international venue.
In the third international game, the Tennessee Titans will square off against the Baltimore Ravens at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With the play, the games at venues in London will be concluded.
Then Patrick Mahomes Kansas City Chiefs will face a battle against Tua Tagovailoa’s Muami Dolphin on November 5 at Frankfurt Stadium. The second international game in the field of Germany will feature a battle between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. The match will also be organized at Frankfurt Stadium on November 12.
NFL plans on further global growth
The NFL first took the initiative to play in an international venue in 2007 and since then 28 games have been played in London and three in Mexico City. As it has already drawn huge support among international football lovers, the authorities have planned for further global growth to expand it’s market value.
Reportedly, the league has targeted Spain and France as the next European destinations for spreading the craze of American football in Europe. Brett Gosper, the NFL Head of Europe and the UK, revealed the fact, saying that they are interested in organizing matches in Spain and France as they align with the NFL’s strategic objectives.
“We’re certainly looking at the viability of places such as Spain and France in Europe. That’s why we’re always firsthand looking at stadia and cities to see if they align with our strategic objectives in those markets.”
In a different interview, Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president of the NFL, also mentioned that the league was looking into the prospect of bringing American football to Brazil in the future. The NFL is currently establishing contacts with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo in this regard to ascertain whether hosting games in these cities is feasible.
What’s your take on the league’s decision? Let us know in the comment section.
