NFL in London

National Football League in London

NFL in london

The History of NFL International Games

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The National Football League (NFL), known for its monumental presence in American sports, has steadily expanded its reach beyond U.S. borders through a series of international games. These matchups serve as a bridge connecting the fervor of American football to audiences across the globe. The NFL’s foray into international play has been an evolutionary journey, transforming from humble beginnings to becoming an integral part of the league’s vision for a more globalized future.

So let’s take a look at the History of the NFL International Games, as well as a peek into what we might expect in the future.

CFL vs NFL

The NFL’s first attempt at international games dates back to 1950 when the New York Giants faced the Ottawa Rough Riders in a preseason exhibition game. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the league began seriously contemplating global expansion. The historic 1986 American Bowl in London, where the Chicago Bears clashed with the Dallas Cowboys, marked the inauguration of the NFL’s official international series. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for the league’s future ventures beyond American soil.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the NFL’s international ambitions became more pronounced. The introduction of the NFL International Series in 2007 marked a watershed moment. The series kicked off with the New York Giants battling the Miami Dolphins at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, captivating audiences and sparking a renewed interest in American football on an international scale.

Over the years, the NFL has diversified its international portfolio, expanding beyond London to include other global destinations. Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and even Toronto and Tokyo have hosted NFL games, each event contributing to the league’s growing global fan base.

These international games are more than just exhibitions; they serve as catalysts for the sport’s global growth. They provide a platform for fans worldwide to experience the intensity and excitement of live NFL action. Moreover, they offer the league an opportunity to engage with new markets, fostering a deeper connection with fans abroad and showcasing American football’s appeal beyond traditional borders.

The success of these international games has been evident in the increasing demand for NFL content worldwide. Television viewership, merchandise sales, and online engagement metrics have surged, reflecting the burgeoning interest in the sport outside the United States.

Looking ahead, the future of NFL international games appears promising and brimming with potential. The league remains committed to expanding its global footprint, exploring new markets, and deepening its roots in existing ones. The NFL’s long-term vision includes establishing a more regular presence in international markets, potentially culminating in the establishment of a permanent franchise or franchises abroad.

The possibility of a London-based NFL team has been a recurring topic of discussion and speculation. While logistical challenges persist, including travel considerations and scheduling complexities, the concept of a London franchise remains an intriguing prospect that could redefine the league’s international landscape.

Additionally, the NFL continues to explore opportunities in other untapped markets, considering potential games in countries like Germany and China. These endeavors align with the league’s strategic initiatives aimed at global expansion and inclusivity, further cementing American football’s status as a truly international sport.

In conclusion, the history of NFL international games represents a compelling narrative of growth, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of a global audience. From modest beginnings to the grand stages of iconic stadiums worldwide, the NFL’s journey beyond American borders continues to captivate audiences and pave the way for an exciting future where the sport transcends geographical boundaries, uniting fans from diverse cultures under the banner of gridiron glory.

Who knows where we might expect to see the next NFL International Game?

Week 12 Picks

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Hope you’ve all worked off that turkey fat, as we hit you with some more stuffing in our Week 12 Picks podcast.

We were offered up a cornucopia from the horn of plenty from the NFL on Thursday, as they served up 3 tasty matches not to mention the Black Friday game in Jersey.

Wade and Ryan look at the mid-week holiday games as well as look ahead to the Week 12 Picks that they have made across a mediocre slate of matches.

If you would like to listen to the podcast, and warm your cockles as the winter winds set in, or just share it with friends as you get wasted waiting for Sunday, here is the link for your thirsty ears.

Thanksgiving Games

First up was the Lions hosting the Packers, as Dan Campbell might have OD’d on energy drinks, as Detroit could not see straight in this game in a division loss. Kudos to Jordan Love, who finally is starting to look like a starting quarterback, and the Packers were able to flummox a hapless Jerod Goff to no end. Coach Dan made some thick-headed calls to ruin the chances for the Lions, and it really speaks to their comeback ability to not be able to rally at home on the big day.
Let’s blame Jack Harlow and his little igloo stage.
Dak and the Dallas Cowboys pumped the crap out of the Washington team in the second game, although the skins had a chance to make it a game. Despite Sam Howell’s efforts, Wash wasn’t able to convert at all, and the Cowboys D did the rest in another home win.
Are the Cowboys for real as a Super Bowl contender, we’ll see in the upcoming weeks.
The 49ers continued to romp on, as a bruised Christian McCaffrey for a nighter roll in a San Fran win against a limp Seattle Seahawks squad. Brock Purdy was good enough, as Seattle and Geno struggled to move the ball at all against a fierce pass rush. Both teams look to be on different trajectories.
Friday night lights brought us a Miami beatdown against a Jets team that it seems A-Aron can’t even save. Met Life took another career death as Raheem Mostert once again got raked by the bad grass they’re smoking in Jersey. Tyreek Hill was also smoking as he a made a show in New York in front of his blushing bride.

Sunday Picks

We have a smaller slate of games on Sunday, given that we had a turkey of four games already.
The best part about these Week 12 games is that most of them are horrible. Like double flush horrible, don’t come over here, a sewage pipe burst horrible.
So let’s wipe the bowl with some of the picks that the guys have lined up for Sunday Funday in our Week 12 Picks.

Ryan

Ryan is taking the Jaguars to win in a slight victory against the Texans, a Buccaneers upset against the Colts, the Giants to barely cover 3.5 against the Patriots, the Panthers to get their second win with a victory over the Titans, Steelers with a Bengals choke-out, and the Falcons get the pick ’em versus the Saints to reel out the early games.
In late and beyond, Ryan is taking the Cardinals to cover 2.5 against the Rams, Broncos in a low score over the Browns, the Bills to upset the Eagles, Chiefs in an easy cover over the Raiders, Ravens to roll-on off the bad Chargers, and the Bears with a big upset over the Vikings.

Wade

Wade likes the Jags in a revenge games over the Texans, the Colts to throw over the Bucs, Giants with an upset over the Patriots, Titans get a home cushion push over the Panthers, Steelers beat Bengals in a sleeper, Falcons over the Saints at home.
As for his late games, Wade is picking the Cardinals to barely cover a sluggish Rams game, Broncos win their sixth after beating the Browns, Bills barely cover and lose to the Eagles, Raiders cover 10 points on the Chiefs, Ravens peck at the rotting Chargers, and the Bears cover 3.5 at the Vikings.
Those are our Week 12 Picks, have a listen and a laugh and share on a cold winters day.

Week 9 Picks

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The NFL is off to Frankfurt this week, as Wade and Ryan offer up their Week 9 Picks podcast.

The clocks are back on the 5 hour difference to the east coast, and we have a pretty good slate of games lined up for Week 9, so who’s going to win?

Make sure that you check our our full podcast here so that you can listen to the guys rattle off all of the games.

Here is the link for you to find it!

Dolphins (6-2) vs -2.5 Chiefs (6-2)  +50.5

We’re off to Frankfurt early Sunday, for the first game in Germany for 2023.
It’s always tough for teams to go into a stadium that they have never played before, especially in another country, where they speak a whole new language.
Miami got the jump on the Chiefs, arriving earlier in the week to get accommodated to playing in Germany. For the past few years this has provided a bit of an advantage to teams, as it allows them to get sorted, get on schedule, and adjust to weather and all the other bits.
The Chiefs are coming off a stink-loss to the Broncos, as well as a nasty flu that ravaged the locker room and saw them deliver their most limp game in ages. It was also the first time the Broncos beat the Chiefs since the Peyton Manning era.
Ryan likes the Chiefs in this one, as Miami has struggled to beat teams with a winning record. Andy Reid doesn’t do 2 losses in a row, so he likes the Chiefs and Mahomes ready to rip it against a struggling Dolphins D.
Wade likes the Dolphins for arriving early, and thinks that it will be a big advantage to getting them on the board. He also doesn’t think that they will hit the over, as both teams will be tepid on this new turf.
Ryan-Chiefs 27 Dolphins 23
Wade-Dolphins 25 Chiefs 20

Seattle (5-2) vs -6 Ravens (6-2)  +43

Another great game of teams with wining records is the early game between the Ravens and Seahawks.
Seattle has been surprising people this year with their solid D, strong running game, and adequate play of Geno Smith.
The Seahawks will see themselves tested against a very feisty Baltimore D.
Baltimore on the other hand seems to have finally found their momentum, as they have started to sling together some strong wins. Early injury problems seem to have been sorted, as well as Lamar Jackson ripping those who haven’t been delivering.
Ryan likes the Ravens at home, but thinks that they will have their hands full with that D, as well as trying to contain Geno and the running game.
Wade thinks that this game will be the one where we see just how fragile the Seahawks really are.
The Ravens smell blood in the AFC North water, and they have begun to circle for legs.
Ryan-Ravens 28 Seahawks 26
Wade-Ravens 28 Seahawks 20

Other Games

If you’re looking for some other top tips on games, the guys each have some that they think are going to be winner-winner, chicken dinners on Sunday.

Ryan

  • Falcons comfortably beat the Vikings
  • Packers beat the Rams at home
  • Bucs upset the Texans

Wade

  • Washington upsets the Patriots
  • Bears cover against the Saints
  • Cowboys upset the Eagles

That’s it for our Week 9 Picks, make sure that you listen to the whole podcast, share it; like it; lick it; stamped it, no rub outs.

We also have our Weekly DraftKings League-NFL in London where we have paid and free contests going every Sunday.
Join along and play with us!

Also make sure you check out and like and follow our Facebook page.
That way you can stay up to date with all the NFL in London news!

 

Tottenham Game Spots

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We’ve got another 2 London NFL games coming up, so we thought we would offer you up some Tottenham Game Spots for before and after the game.

Many London stadium going folk know that the newbie Tottenham Stadium is a little rough around the edges neighbourhood-wise, but like the once-ominous Wembley Stadium, the hood is on the rise.

Still, it’s widely accepted that Wembley overs a better experience OUTSIDE the stadium, while Tottenham Hotspur Stadium offers a better time INSIDE the gates.
Tottenham has spent a lot of money and thought on the fan drinking and eating options, so if you’ve never been inside before, you should be impressed.

A few early game day info:

  • Rail and tube strikes will persist throughout the week-Wednesday and Friday suck
  • Weather forecast is 25c (80f) and cloudy-perfect October conditions
  • Rugby World Cup Weekend-England, Ireland Scotland play Saturday-few games Sunday
  • Tottenham Stadium is congested to leave-consider a few local drinks before heading out

Tottenham Bars

Many of the bars around Tottenham are ‘blue and white’ faithful, meaning they are traditional Spurs drinking establishments.
This won’t matter to NFL fans unless you steam in covered in full Arsenal gear and acting like a Gooner.

BeaverTown-Corner Pin

If you’re looking to quaff fancy beers with whiffs of bergamot, BeaverTown is the £7 pint for you.

Located right across from the stadium, this ‘craft’ (Heineken) brew pub is a convenient place to try out some of Beavertown’s more unique samplings.

It’s easy to find, and has a lovely little garden, but gets as heaving as Tik Tok eating contest after an hour.
Plan to get there early.

https://beavertownbrewery.co.uk/pages/corner-pin

The BeeHive

This place is also buzzing with activity on game day, thanks to a spacious beer garden and independent pub feel.

Tucked away, yet still close to the stadium. The Beehive is a traditional sports pub, which means fans can scoot there after the game to get their fix of NFL and Redzone.

It always helps to book ahead if you’re going to bring a big group there.

https://beehiven17.com/

Antwerp Arms

A recently renovated community pub, The Antwerp Arms is bustling on gameday, as they have not only a solid menu, but sports on TV.

Those NFL fans looking for a Real Ale pub will be pleasantly pleased with the selection on offer tap wise, and the large patio is a great place to unwind on what looks to be a pretty sweet day.

Booking ahead is wise as this place gets very busy.

https://www.antwerparms.co.uk/

Elbow Room

Across the street from the Antwerp Arms is the Craft Union pub Elbow Room.

The pub has a great selection of beers, as well as TV to catch the sport on. It isn’t a pub that has food, but many of these places will allow you to bring in something from the kebab shop, provided you are respectful.

Elbow Room is open until 11pm, which gives you plenty of time to get sauced before you ride the rails home.

https://www.craftunionpubs.com/elbow-room-tottenham

Ferry Boat Inn

Further afield than the previous pubs but worth the view is the Ferry Boat Inn located on Lockwood Reservoir in Tottenham.

With a massive patio overlooking some water, the Ferry Boat Inn doesn’t feel like you’re in London at all.
50 tables plus, a jovial atmosphere, while curious mutts approach you at this dog friendly pub.

While the Ferry Boat Inn doesn’t have TVs to whet your NFL whistle, it is a great place to get away and chill before or after the mayhem of the stadium.

https://www.pubanddining.co.uk/ferry-boat-tottenham

Hackney Brewery

Across the water, but still a nice stroll away is the massive Hackney Brewery Taproom.

Filled with glorious taps of beer, plenty of outdoor seating, and even it’s own hotdog stand, the Hackney Brewery is an independent spot that the locals love.

If you have a big group, this is an amazing place to meet before the game to sneak in a few lovely, and affordable pints.

Sadly this place won’t be showing any of the NFL games, but it’s open until 11, and fans can soak up the afternoon sun on the patio while easily making their way to Northumberland Park station which is less than 10 minutes away.

Heck, you could even rent some of those electric bikes near the station and make it an even easier journey.

https://www.hackneybrewery.com/

Other Areas

The good thing about Tottenham, is that it is close to loads of other cool areas that you might want to try as party places before or after the game.
Here are some other local Tottenham Game Spots.

Wood Green

It’s not as stabby as it once was, which is a good thing for Wood Green. It’s also walkable to the stadium, giving a nice 20-30 minute journey through some side streets that also have their own pubs.

Wood Green is easily accessible via transit, and has a McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and some of the finest Turkish food your drunken belly could easily slop up.

Finsbury Park

Down the road from the stadium is the even more thriving area of Finsbury Park, which has seen an influx of students to make the place cool again.

There are plenty of late night haunts to pull you in, from sports bars, to pubs and even Rowan’s bowling lanes which are an iconic part of the area, and also open late.

Highbury and Islington

Hip with the kids, but getting sketchier since covid is the main high street action of H&I.

If you’re looking to amble and find plenty of later Sunday options, this is a potential destination, as it has places like the American rock bar Slim Jim’s open until the wee hours.

Old Street

Near the even hipper area of Shoreditch is the roundabout Old Street, which has some nifty little joints to check out.

RoadTrip is open very late on a Sunday, and even shows plenty of NFL games on their indoor and outdoor TVs. Sports Bar & Grill Old Street is also quite big, and suitable for those who want NFL galore.

Hope that this helps you on your trip to Tottenham Stadium for the next two games.

Don’t forget, you can also get a FREE beer by signing up to the series of Thames Cruises hosted by Tailgreeter.
Here is the next one.

Tailgreeter Thames Cruise-Bills vs Jaguars

https://tailgreeter.com/tailgate-the-thames-buffalo-bills-vs-jacksonville-jaguars-in-london

 

 

 

After Game-Enfield

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After Game-Enfield is our look at what to do in the neighbouring Enfield, just a scoot from the game. Those of you attending the London games might be wondering, what’s going on once my game is finished at 6pm?
Well, we have some options for you in this post, as we look at things to do around Enfield.
Wait, where?

Location

A little north-west of the stadium sits the community of Enfield, an up and coming little nugget of party on the tip of London.

Conveniently located about 15 minutes from Tottenham stadium, the town of Enfield has a thriving nightlife and sports bars for anyone who is looking to head on the town after one of the Sunday contests.

Here are a few places to look at to watch the games afterwards.
And don’t worry, they are all VERY close to the stadium, even quicker in a taxi.

O’Neills Enfield

You can always trust an O’Neills to deliver standard quality across all of its locations.
The Enfield location is popular with youngsters in the area, and boasts loads of TV showing sport on Sundays.

If you want to hit the O’Neills in Enfield after the game, find more details here.

https://www.oneills.co.uk/national-search/london/enfield#/

The Cricketers

The Cricketers is another Enfield Sports bar that will have NFL showing on Sky Sports after the game.

Located near the centre of Enfield town, the Cricketers has a storied history in the area, and is beloved by locals for affordable pints, and a lovely garden to nip into for a smoke.

If you’re looking for NFL and cheap beers, this is a place to look at.

https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/cricketersenfield

The Taps Bar

Another sports bar showing NFL on Sunday is The Taps Irish Bar in Enfield that is centrally located, and bound to have a fun, lively atmosphere.

There are also plenty of kebab shops and a McD’s a football’s throw away, meaning you can soak up the sadness if your team losses on a Sunday.

Find them on Twitter/ X here

https://twitter.com/TheTapsBar

The Three Wishes-Winchmore Hill

A gem of an Irish pub located on Green Lanes in Winchmore Hill, this recently renovated pub has over 15 TVs with Sky Sports and more.

Sundays are traditional Irish ones with live music during the afternoon, and some of the cheapest pints in North London.

Conveniently located near Palmers Green/ Winchmore Hill and Wood Green.

Find them here

https://whatpub.com/pubs/ENF/7419/three-wishes-winchmore-hill

The Stag

Looking for a late night bar AND a hotel, then check out the Stag in Enfield.

This cosy hotel also has a sought after bar, and garden which host live music, quiz and sport.

Make sure that you book ahead early, as it does tend to fill up quickly.

https://www.stag-enfield.co.uk/the-stag-bar/

The Salisbury Arms-Winchmore Hill

Located near Winchmore Hill train station is the massive Salisbury Arms, which boasts a patio that holds over 200 and has plenty of TVs for outdoor sports action.

Sunday roasts and Sky Sports are on tap at this traditional British pub, which has just been renovated, and has loads of TVs to catch the games and RedZone on.

Management are happy to accommodate big groups, please do contact ahead though.

The Wonder

A bit outside Enfield proper, this is more of a country pub that has plenty of space and TVs to catch the games.

A traditional Sunday pub, The Wonder is a lively place for locals to meet, and centrally located enough for any groups looking to meet up prior to or after the game.

Find out more about The Wonder here.

https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/wonder

Other areas

Other neighbourhoods close to Enfield and Tottenham Stadium in the area that you might want to consider are Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, and Wood Green.

Finsbury Park is also a more lively area for night life, and some sports bars, as well as being conveniently located on the Victoria and Piccadilly Lines, making transit to the stadium quite easy by bus.

Always good to call ahead to some of these pubs too if you have a large group.
Given that it isn’t central London, many of these pub landlords will be happy to throw on the games for you in a prime spot.
It will also help them prepare for staff, if 200 of you decide to descend  on them for a night of NFL fun!

That’s it for our After Game-Enfield preview for you, hope you found it useful.