All Topics, England, NFL

Soaking Up the NFL International Series Experience

Posted on by D.J. Podgorny
file_002-1
Wembley Stadium during the NFL International Series on October 2, 2016

Dating back to the 2007 season, the National Football League has been playing at least one regular season game abroad each year. Beginning as an annual event, the NFL International Series expanded to multiple contests in 2013 and now features four regular season games every year.

While the first 15 games were held exclusively at Wembley Stadium in London, two additional venues were introduced to the series during the 2016 season. The New York Giants defeated the Los Angeles Rams at London’s Twickenham Stadium, 17-10, and the series’ finale will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders in the NFL’s first regular season game in Mexico since 2005.

As evidenced by its immense investment in the International Series, the NFL is dedicated to growing its brand around the world. As the American football fan base reaches saturation in the U.S., it has become an increasingly appealing business case for the NFL to expand its following overseas and into other parts of North America.

With that in mind, I was fortunate enough to cover the first of the four 2016 International Series games pitting the Indianapolis Colts against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 2nd at Wembley. In my time in London, I witnessed a variety of activities, actions, and testimonials that all aligned with one common goal: to grow the NFL brand in Europe.

This article will focus on the highlights from my behind-the-scenes perspective at the NFL International Series in London.

————————-

The Friday before the matchup afforded credentialed media the opportunity to attend press conferences and practices for both teams. In a Colts’ press conference filled with cliché questions pertaining to players’ jet lag and the importance of the divisional matchup, one reporter certainly stood out.

In the middle of quarterback Andrew Luck’s time at the podium, one German news crew delivered a warm serving of schnitzel and fries to the Indianapolis quarterback. That’s certainly not something you see every day. The gesture was in reference to the time Luck spent growing up in Frankfurt, as well as London.

On the Saturday before the game, hundreds of thousands of fans flocked to Regent Street in downtown London to take in player appearances, cheerleader performances, and musical acts. Most of the attendees wore jerseys from all 32 NFL franchises, however a significant amount of Colts and Jaguars apparel was visible in the sea of football enthusiasts.

Perhaps the most noteworthy speech during the festivities came from the owner of the Colts, Jim Irsay. The Irsay family has owned the franchise since 1973 and orchestrated the iconic move from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. Prior to the players taking the stage, Irsay addressed the audience and spoke of the NFL’s future in England.

“My goal, as an owner, is to find the right team and the right owner to have a permanent franchise here in London,” said Irsay. “I want the NFL and London to be together for the remainder of the century.”

These strong words were well-received from the crowd that gathered from all over Europe to attend the celebration. Following Irsay’s thrilling speech, a group of Colts players followed suit and shared some words with the crowd. With stars like Luck, future Hall of Fame kicker Adam Vinatieri, and charismatic punter Pat McAfee taking the microphone, the fans were certainly enthralled.

Among the highlights of the player’s presentations was an address by tight end Dwayne Allen. Allen and Luck both spent time in London this summer promoting the International Series and hosting players. Allen’s passion for growing American football was apparent in his words.

“You get to see men of all shapes and sizes out there competing [in American football] and that’s why we have to spread this sport all over the globe,” Allen exclaimed.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also took the stage, and yet again, the topic of an NFL franchise in London was at the forefront of the conversation. Goodell continued the positive sentiment for growing the game in England.

Overall, the Regent Street event was one that fans will never forget. To go along with the performances and appearances, the NFL had various exhibitions, interactive games, and contests for participants to engage in. Over 600,000 fans attended the event in preparation for game the following day.

Upon arriving at Wembley Stadium on Sunday morning I was again greeted by the copious amounts of jerseys, both old and new, from all 32 NFL teams. The number of people that were exploring the Tailgate Party, more than three hours before kick-off, was astonishing. Never before had I seen such an impressive volume of fans to arrive at a stadium so early.

file_001-1
D.J. Podgorny at the NFL on Regent Street in Downtown London

Yet again, the NFL invested heavily in the pre-game experience, hosting the appearances of NFL Hall of Famers, musical performances, as well as interactive and historical NFL exhibits. Food and plenty of merchandise were also available for purchase. On the whole, fans seemed captivated by the league’s extravagant efforts.

The most noticeable feature of Wembley, when entering, is its sheer size. With a capacity of more than 84,000 for an American football game, it is larger than almost every stadium in the U.S. Its structure, with the iconic arch extended over the pitch, is unlike any other in the NFL.

As fans piled in, a segment highlighting former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora’s involvement with growing football in the UK was played over the jumbotron. The two-time Super Bowl champion and London native was a key part of developing the UK’s Henry Innis and France’s Anthony Dablé, both of whom earned tryouts with the New York Giants earlier this year. While Dablé impressed scouts enough to earn a training camp contract, he was unsuccessful in making the final roster for the Giants.

Regardless, the efforts of Umenyiora and other advocates for American football in Europe have not gone unnoticed by the NFL. Now, more than ever, colleges and the pros alike are looking to European leagues for undiscovered talent. In addition to the Giants auditioning Dablé and Innis, Germany’s Moritz Boehringer became the first player to be drafted directly from a European league when he was picked in the 6th round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

As kickoff approached, the pre-game atmosphere transformed into one of the most electric that I have ever witnessed. Fans arrived early to fully absorb the spectacle of American football from warm-ups through the final whistle. With Robin Thicke performing two of his greatest hits just before player introductions, Wembley certainly felt like the host of an NFL playoff contest.

As the crowd erupted after a performance of God Save the Queen that I will personally never forget, the Jaguars were set to kick off. The Jaguars’ commitment to building a following overseas seemed to pay off as a majority of attendees raised their black flags in their support. London is most definitely the Jags’ second home and the environment reflected that.

Despite an impressive fourth quarter resurgence by the Colts, the Jaguars were able to hold on for the win. Altogether, virtually no fans left the stadium early, even when the game seemed to be decided. Their desire to take in every last second of their NFL experience was very clear.

Following the game, a short press conference was held for both teams prior to their departure back to the U.S. For the Colts, the defeat seemed to be especially hard as they prepared to board a somber 8-hour flight back to the Midwest. The Jaguars’ attitude, on the other hand, was amplified by their victory in front of their British faithful, holding their heads high as they boarded the bus to Heathrow Airport.

On the whole, the matchup in Wembley Stadium was unlike any other football game that I have ever encountered. From the logistics of coordinating the long road trip for both teams to the celebration on Regent St. to the gameday experience, I was blown away by the execution of such a momentous event. I was thoroughly impressed by the visible satisfaction on the faces of the fans throughout the entire weekend. Game 15 of the NFL International Series was a resounding success.

file_003
Fans of all 32 NFL teams heading to the metro after the game

The most encouraging takeaway from the three days I spent immersed in American football in London was the overwhelming support for this great game. The streets of London were filled with jerseys, hats, and shirts donning the logos of every NFL team all weekend long. Team owners, players, and even the NFL commissioner advocated for future growth of football in Europe. It is clear that growing the NFL’s presence in Europe is top of mind for league executives.

 

It would seem that Europe is the optimal target audience for these growth efforts. Only time will tell if an NFL franchise is relocated or created in London, but conventional wisdom would lead us to believe it is almost a certainty as this point.

On top of that, talent only continues to develop in European leagues. With over 1,500 senior teams in 41 European countries, American football is bigger than ever in Europe. And with the success of various European players at both the collegiate and professional level, U.S. scouts are starting to seriously view Europe as a feeder for top talent.

My weekend in London was extremely informative and eye-opening in regards to the future of American football around the globe. With powerful advocates, emerging talent, and a passionate fan base, it is apparent that football is on a positive growth trajectory and will only continue to expand throughout Europe. The future is certainly bright for all stakeholders of American football in Europe.

 

D.J. Podgorny is a junior contributor and account executive for The Growth of a Game and Premier Class Consulting. He is based in San Jose, California. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, D.J. graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois with a minor in Business. He has been involved in the game of football as a fan, player, manager, coach and, most recently, a journalist. 

D.J. Podgorny

96 thoughts on “Soaking Up the NFL International Series Experience”

  2. fdertol mrtokev says:

    We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  4. slot mahjong says:

    Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  5. inyectar UTMs says:

    I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site 🙂

  6. slot min depo 5k says:

    After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  8. gelatin trick says:

    After research just a few of the weblog posts in your web site now, and I actually like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and shall be checking again soon. Pls take a look at my web site as effectively and let me know what you think.

  9. gelatin trick says:

    You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart. “We are near waking when we dream we are dreaming.” by Friedrich von Hardenberg Novalis.

  10. gelatin trick says:

    Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my weblog so i came to “go back the choose”.I am trying to in finding issues to enhance my website!I suppose its adequate to use some of your concepts!!

  12. slot says:

    I’m usually to blogging and i actually respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand new information.

  14. mantap555 slot says:

    Howdy very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to find a lot of useful information right here in the post, we need work out extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.

  15. site link says:

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. Nevertheless think of if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this blog could certainly be one of the best in its niche. Superb blog!

  17. slot gacor says:

    hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again very soon..

  19. iblbet says:

    Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed! Very useful information particularly the ultimate phase 🙂 I take care of such info a lot. I used to be seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  21. kursi kuliah says:

    I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site 🙂

  24. pink gelatin trick says:

    I am only commenting to let you be aware of what a incredible experience my cousin’s daughter found reading through your blog. She discovered a wide variety of issues, most notably what it’s like to possess a great giving heart to make other folks quite simply learn certain specialized topics. You undoubtedly did more than people’s expectations. Thank you for imparting these essential, healthy, edifying as well as unique thoughts on your topic to Sandra.

  25. pcxwin says:

    An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  28. seltoto daftar says:

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  29. situs slot777 says:

    Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your web site in web explorer, could test this?K IE nonetheless is the market chief and a huge element of other folks will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem.

  32. gelatin trick says:

    This website can be a walk-through for all the information you wished about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and you’ll definitely uncover it.

  33. gelatin trick says:

    What i do not understood is in truth how you are now not really much more neatly-appreciated than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You know thus significantly relating to this matter, produced me for my part believe it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated except it’s one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs great. All the time take care of it up!

  36. link slot gacor says:

    I am no longer positive the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while finding out more or figuring out more. Thank you for fantastic info I used to be looking for this information for my mission.

  37. situs toto says:

    Awsome info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thanks 🙂

  38. agen toto says:

    This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.

  40. ayuda PFC arquitectura says:

    Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  42. gartenpool online bestellen says:

    Awesome blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!

  44. poolplanen shop says:

    I discovered your weblog web site on google and check a number of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the superb operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for forward to reading more from you in a while!…

  45. ayuda PFG arquitectura says:

    Hey! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

  46. casas en José Ignacio says:

    Hi would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  47. casas en José Ignacio says:

    I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They are really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for starters. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

  49. oma slot says:

    Thank you for every other excellent post. The place else may anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such info.

  51. tonic greens says:

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  52. the brain song says:

    Good, I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.

  53. the brain song reviews says:

    Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful website.

  57. burnslim review says:

    I’ve recently started a website, the info you offer on this web site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “My dear and old country, here we are once again together faced with a heavy trial.” by Charles De Gaulle.

  59. streamate cams says:

    Whats up very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I am glad to search out numerous helpful info here within the publish, we’d like develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.

  61. read the full info here says:

    Good, I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.

  64. akongcuan says:

    I’m still learning from you, while I’m trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading everything that is written on your site.Keep the tips coming. I loved it!

  67. click to read says:

    Good write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.

  69. gelatin trick says:

    I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am satisfied to express that I have a very good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to do not overlook this website and provides it a look on a constant basis.

  70. gelatin trick says:

    You can certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  71. pink gelatin trick says:

    Hello, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

  74. fortune ox grátis says:

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent information being shared freely out there.

  75. crypto recovery agency says:

    hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points using this web site, as I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..

  76. eva bloom soulmate sketch says:

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this excellent blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  78. dubai wealth secret says:

    I’ll right away take hold of your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me realize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  79. audifort says:

    Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous web site.

  80. arialief says:

    I think this is among the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really great :D. Good job, cheers

  82. pink salt trick says:

    Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a perfect web-site.

  85. jamb cbt practice says:

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  86. prodentim says:

    Can I just say what a relief to seek out somebody who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how to carry a problem to gentle and make it important. Extra folks have to learn this and perceive this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre no more standard since you undoubtedly have the gift.

  87. flores em itapema says:

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  88. tonic greens says:

    I’m now not positive where you are getting your info, however great topic. I must spend some time studying much more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

  90. exotic car rental malaysia says:

    Fantastic website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get comments from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!

  92. tungsten says:

    I’m not sure exactly why but this weblog is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  94. hokibos898 says:

    Hi there, I discovered your blog via Google at the same time as searching for a comparable matter, your site got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *