NFL in London

National Football League in London

2023 NFL London Games Tottenham

Top 10 Foreign Born NFL Players

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The National Football League (NFL) has grown in popularity all over the world in recent years, and as a result, players from many countries are now playing at the highest level of American football.
So who are some of the Top 10 Foreign Born NFL Players?
While the majority of NFL players are still born in the United States, there have been a number of talented players who have come from other countries and made an impact in the league.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 10 NFL players born outside of the USA, and those who have enhanced the game through their global interest in the sport.

  1. Sebastian Janikowski

    Sebastian Janikowski was born in Poland and went on to become one of the most successful kickers in NFL history. He played for the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks during his career and was known for his incredible leg strength and accuracy.

  2. Lawrence Okoye

    Lawrence Okoye was born in the United Kingdom and played college football at the University of Missouri before being signed by the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. He played defensive tackle for the team and was known for his incredible athleticism and strength.

  3. Menelik Watson

    Menelik Watson was born in Manchester, England and played college football at Florida State University before being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played offensive tackle for the team and was known for his strength and athleticism.

  4. Markus Kuhn

    Markus Kuhn was born in Germany and played college football at North Carolina State University before being drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played defensive tackle for the team and was known for his strength and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

  5. Moritz Böhringer

    Moritz Böhringer was born in Germany and was the first player to be drafted directly from a European football league. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and played wide receiver for the team.

  6. Efe Obada

    Efe Obada was born in Nigeria and played college football in London before being signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played defensive end for the Carolina Panthers and was known for his strength and ability to rush the passer.

  7. Jermaine Eluemunor

    Jermaine Eluemunor was born in London and played college football at Texas A&M University before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has played offensive guard and tackle for the Ravens and New England Patriots and is known for his strength and versatility.

  8. Christian Scotland-Williamson

    Christian Scotland-Williamson was born in England and played rugby before being signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. He has played tight end for the team and is known for his size and athleticism.

  9. Joel Bitonio

    Joel Bitonio was born in California but is of Lebanese descent and holds dual citizenship in the United States and Lebanon. He has played offensive guard for the Cleveland Browns since being drafted by the team in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

  10. Bjoern Werner

    Bjoern Werner was born in Germany and played college football at Florida State University before being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played defensive end for the team and was known for his ability to rush the passer.

These players have all made significant contributions to the NFL despite coming from outside of the United States. They have proven that talent can come from anywhere in the world and that the NFL truly is a global sport. As the league continues to grow in popularity around the world, we can expect to see more and more players from outside of the USA continue to make their mark on the league.

And no, we didn’t forget about Danish great Morten Anderson, we just need to devote a whole article to him!

Top 10 NFL Drafts of the Past 30 Years

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With the NFL draft looming on the horizon, it’s time to look at some of the best NFL Drafts from the past thirty years.
The Draft is an exciting time for football fans as they eagerly await to see which players their favourite teams will select. Over the past 3 decades, there have been some remarkable drafts that have produced many stars and legends of the game.
Here we will take a look at the top 10 NFL drafts of the past 30 years, as this one isn’t going to crack any ‘top lists.’

  1. 1996 NFL Draft

    This draft produced some of the greatest players in NFL history. The top three picks in this draft were all future Hall of Famers: Keyshawn Johnson, Kevin Hardy, and Jonathan Ogden. Other notable players in this draft include Ray Lewis, Eddie George, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, and Zach Thomas. The 1996 Draft had some of the top players across every position. Those were the days.

  2. 2011 NFL Draft

    The 2011 draft was one of the deepest in NFL history, producing many future stars who are still playing today. Cam Newton was the first overall pick, and he went on to win the NFL MVP award in 2015. Other notable players in this draft include Von Miller, A.J. Green, Julio Jones, J.J. Watt, Richard Sherman, and Colin Kaepernick.

  3. 1989 NFL Draft

    The 1989 draft produced three players who would go on to win the NFL MVP award: Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, and Deion Sanders. Other notable players in this draft include Derrick Thomas, Steve Atwater, and Mark Carrier. Check out some of the pictures of the 1989 Draft, and the fashion choices alone should let you know that it was totally different era.

  4. 1991 NFL Draft

    The 1991 draft produced many future Hall of Famers, including Brett Favre, Aeneas Williams, and Herman Moore. Other notable players in this draft include Ricky Watters, Ted Washington, and Mike Croel. Hard to believe that this draft was over 32 years ago.

  5. 2012 NFL Draft

    The 2012 draft produced many top QB stars of the future, including Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, and Russell Wilson. Other notable players in this draft include Luke Kuechly, Fletcher Cox, and Bobby Wagner. Despite being 10 years ago, there are still a few players from this draft playing in the league.

  6. 1998 NFL Draft

    The 1998 draft produced two future Hall of Famers in Peyton Manning and Randy Moss. Other notable players in this draft include Charles Woodson, Fred Taylor, and Hines Ward. This was more of the ‘grit-iron’ generation of tough as nails players.

  7. 2017 NFL Draft

    The 2017 draft produced many impact players, including the first overall pick, Myles Garrett. Other notable players in this draft include Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara. This Draft is also known as the ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda,’, as many pundits and fans lament of what could have been had players signed elsewhere.

  8. 2001 NFL Draft

    The 2001 draft produced many Pro Bowl players, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Steve Hutchinson, and Richard Seymour. Other notable players in this draft include Michael Vick, Drew Brees, and Reggie Wayne. This could have been known as the HOF class, as many of the players in this group were record-setters.

  9. 2004 NFL Draft

    The 2004 draft produced three future Hall of Famers in Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger. Other notable players in this draft include Larry Fitzgerald, Vince Wilfork, and Jared Allen. 2004 brought us a whack load of great QBs, which beckons when another draft like this could happen?

  10. 1999 NFL Draft

    The 1999 draft produced five future Hall of Famers, including Edgerrin James, Champ Bailey, and Torry Holt. Other notable players in this draft include Ricky Williams, Donovan McNabb, and Jevon Kearse.

The NFL draft is a significant event in the April calendar of football, and it has produced many great players over the years. The drafts listed above were some of the best of the past 30 years, producing numerous stars and legends of the game. As football fans, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the NFL draft and the next generation of players who will make their mark on the league.

Who will be the star of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft?

 

London Top 10 Spring

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Spring is one of the most wonderful seasons in London. The temperature is perfect, the flowers are blooming, and the city is buzzing with events and activities. If you’re planning a trip to London this spring, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing the top 10 things to do in London this spring.

  1. Visit the Chelsea Flower Show

    One of the most popular events in London during spring is the Chelsea Flower Show. This is a must-visit for anyone who loves flowers, gardening, or just wants to experience the beauty of nature. The show takes place in late May and is a feast for the eyes. You’ll see all sorts of amazing floral displays, including exotic plants and rare flowers.

  2. Take a stroll in Hyde Park

    Hyde Park is a vast green space in central London that’s perfect for a springtime stroll. It’s one of the city’s most iconic parks, and it’s easy to see why. You can take a leisurely walk around the Serpentine lake, have a picnic on the grass, or explore the many walking paths and gardens.

  3. Enjoy a boat ride on the Thames

    A boat ride on the Thames is a great way to see London from a different perspective. There are many options to choose from, including sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and even kayaking. You’ll get to see some of London’s most famous landmarks from the water, including the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.

  4. Visit Kew Gardens

    Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It’s home to over 50,000 plants, including rare and exotic species. In springtime, the gardens come to life with vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. You can spend hours exploring the different gardens and greenhouses, including the Palm House and the Waterlily House.

  5. Take a bike tour of the city

    Spring is the perfect time to explore the city on two wheels. There are many bike tours available in London, which will take you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. You’ll get to see the city in a different way and cover more ground than you would on foot.

  6. Explore the South Bank

    The South Bank is a vibrant area of London that’s always buzzing with activity. You can take a walk along the river, browse the street performers and artists, or visit the many cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to the famous London Eye, which offers stunning views of the city.

  7. Visit the Tate Modern

    The Tate Modern is one of London’s most famous art museums. It’s located in a converted power station and is home to some of the world’s most famous contemporary art pieces. In springtime, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, so be sure to check their website before you go.

  8. See a show in the West End

    London’s West End is famous for its world-class theater productions. From classic musicals to cutting-edge dramas, there’s always something new to see. In springtime, you can often find discounted tickets and special offers, so be sure to check online before you go.

  9. Go shopping in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular shopping destinations. It’s home to many high-end boutiques, vintage shops, and street performers. You can spend hours browsing the shops and stalls, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat.

10. Take a day trip to the countryside

If you want to escape the city for a day, there are many beautiful countryside destinations within easy reach of London. You can take a train or bus to the Cotswolds and see where the posh half live. 

There are loads of fun things to do in London this spring, as we all wait for the NFL to start. 

London Franchise

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Will the NFL be looking to add a London franchise? What’s involved in making a team work over here?

The National Football League (NFL) is a massive American sports league with a global reach, and there has been much speculation about the possibility of a franchise in London. While this idea may sound exciting, there are several reasons why it would be difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in London.

NFL Europe

One of the primary reasons is the failure of NFL Europe, a developmental league that operated from 1991 to 2007. Despite the NFL’s efforts to promote American football in Europe, the league was never able to gain the same level of popularity as it did in the United States. The lack of success of NFL Europe suggests that there may not be enough interest in American football in London to support a full-fledged franchise.

Playoffs

Another reason why a London-based NFL franchise may not work is the unpredictability of wild card game hosting. The NFL currently holds a series of wild card games at various locations throughout the United States. While these games are hugely popular and attract large crowds, it is uncertain whether London would be a suitable location for such events. The logistical challenges of transporting players, equipment, and staff across the Atlantic would be significant, and there is no guarantee that London would be able to provide a suitable venue for these games.

Differences

Another obstacle that the NFL would face in London is the UK tax laws. The NFL would have to pay taxes on all of its earnings in the UK, which could significantly reduce the profitability of a London-based franchise. The NFL would also have to navigate the complexities of UK tax law, which can be challenging for businesses not familiar with the system.

There are also several cultural differences between the US and the UK that could make it difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in London. American football is a relatively niche sport in the UK, and there is already a well-established football (soccer) culture in the country. The NFL would have to compete with this established culture to attract fans and sponsors.

Time Zones

Furthermore, the differences in time zones between the US and the UK could also pose a problem. Many NFL games are played on Sundays, which would mean that games in London would be taking place in the early afternoon in the US. This could be problematic for American fans who are used to watching games in the evening.

Costs

In addition to these challenges, the NFL would also have to contend with the cost of operating a franchise in London. The cost of living in London is much higher than in many US cities, and the cost of renting or buying a stadium in the city could be prohibitively expensive. The NFL would also have to cover the cost of transporting players and staff to and from London for games and other events.

Recruitment

Finally, there is the issue of player recruitment. American football is a sport that is primarily played in the United States, and the vast majority of NFL players are American. If the NFL were to establish a franchise in London, it would need to recruit players from the UK and Europe. While there are talented players in these regions, the level of competition is not as high as it is in the US. This could make it difficult for a London-based franchise to compete with established NFL teams.

In conclusion, while the idea of a London-based NFL franchise may sound exciting, there are several reasons why it would be difficult for the NFL to establish a successful franchise in the city. The failure of NFL Europe, the unpredictability of wild card game hosting, UK tax laws, cultural differences, time zone differences, operating costs, and player recruitment are all significant obstacles that the NFL would have to overcome. While it is not impossible for the NFL to establish a franchise in London, it would require a significant investment of time, money, and effort, and there is no guarantee of success. Ultimately, the NFL will need to carefully consider these challenges before making a decision about whether to pursue a team in the United Kingdom as it looks to expand its foothold on the game worldwide. 

This was a guest article from one of our partners

Sloppy Seconds

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Most of the top tier talented has been shuffled off to other teams, as we look who is left to go where in our Sloppy Seconds podcast.

If you get offended with the title, take it up with Ryan.

In this episode, the boys look at some of the ‘other’ NFL moves across the league, as we all await the news of where Rodgers, Lamar and TB12 could end up. Wait, him again?

To listen to the whole thing, make sure you click here.

Among some of the other things that the guys discuss in this edition.

Own Up

The owners are having their annual billionaires meeting, and with Epstein island a little too ‘hot’ these days for attention, the lads have opted for a Butlin’s in Wales this year.

Among some of the major things that the owners will be discussing this year are new rules, how to make more money, how not to lose money, and what to do with Dan Snyder.
Dan the man has indicated that he will be selling the team soon, just not to Bezos, Beyonce, or Bono.
He’s got a real ‘B’ obsession that man.

One rule that looks like it will survive is the ‘push rule’, which allows players to leverage a rugby-style effort to move the ball ahead.
Given how strikingly similar it is to the process of trying to get Raiders owner Mark Davis into an elevator after a late night, no one seems to have a problem with it.

Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins is a hot commodity this off season for the right team that can afford him.
Often injured, sometimes fined, and coming in at a price tag of $30-34 million, teams are going to have dig deep into their pockets to be able to afford the ageing receiver.

Is he the guy that is going to get you to the SuperBowl, or is his salary just so dang high that he could cripple the rest of the team in mediocrity?

Buffalo Bills are top faves to pip Hopkins this season, giving Josh Allen another option to try to force balls to in 3rd and long situations.

Who’s got the cash to splash on this big player?

Panther Sale

After liquidating their franchise of players over the past 18 months, the Panthers are starting to build up some options for whatever rookie QB they decide to pursue in the draft.

Former Vikings WR Adam ‘Stealin’ Thielen was a handy slot option for Minnesota, so it will be interesting to see how they use the ageing receiver.
Also added to the mix is former Jag/ Lion DJ Chark, who will add some lowly fantasy points to whomever snags him in a 14 player fantasy league.

Carolina played last season like they had ‘nothing to lose’, let’s see how that transcends to 2023.

Oh Rodgers

For a guy who said he was going to make this quick, Aaron Rodgers sure seems to be in limbo.

Word is that the Jets and Packers are just down to the numbers now, as Green Bay will be looking to fleece New York for whatever they can, while the Jets also have to contend with a massive chunk of cash to pay him.

Maybe he can get his buddy Jake Paul to buy an NFL team call it the Ayahuasca’s and they can trip across the states together beating teams way weaker than them?

Everyone in the league is just waiting for this to get down and dusted so we can see how bad the Jets will actually be after making so many sacrifices.
Still got to make it out of that tough division.

London Games

We are getting closer to the announcement of who will be playing in London in 2023 to face the Bills, Titans, and Jaguars.
We have our own thoughts, and will be sharing it with you guys over the next few weeks.