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History of Wembley and the NFL

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Wembley Stadium, often hailed as the “Home of Football,” has a storied history that intertwines with the evolution of sports and entertainment in the UK. From its original incarnation in 1923 to its modern-day architectural marvel, Wembley has been a beacon for global sporting events, including our beloved NFL games.
So ahead of the next Jacksonville game in 2025, let’s take a look at the History of Wembley and the NFL.

The Birth of a Legend: 1923

The original Wembley Stadium, known as the Empire Stadium, opened its doors in 1923. Its inaugural event, the FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, was so overcrowded that it’s famously dubbed the “White Horse Final” due to a lone policeman on a white horse restoring order. This iconic venue quickly became synonymous with major football matches, concerts, and events that defined generations.

A Modern Revival: 2007

After serving the public for nearly 80 years, the original structure was demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art stadium. The new Wembley Stadium, unveiled in 2007, boasts a seating capacity of 90,000 and features the iconic 133-meter-high arch, visible from various points in London. This architectural wonder isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a testament to modern engineering and design.

American Football Touchdown: The NFL’s Foray into Wembley

While Wembley is traditionally associated with “soccer” (as we NFL aficionados might differentiate), its relationship with American football dates back several decades. The first official American football game at Wembley was in 1952, featuring U.S. Air Force teams. Fast forward to 1983, and Wembley hosted its first NFL game when the Minnesota Vikings faced the St. Louis Cardinals in a preseason matchup. This game was part of the NFL’s efforts to globalise the sport and tap into the UK’s burgeoning interest.

The American Bowl Series: 1986-1993

The NFL’s commitment to international expansion led to the American Bowl series, a collection of preseason games held outside the United States. Wembley Stadium was a prominent venue during this period, hosting several memorable matchups. These games not only showcased NFL talent but also solidified London’s status as a key location for American football.

NFL International Series: A New Era

The real game-changer came in 2007 with the introduction of the NFL International Series, featuring regular-season games held at Wembley. The inaugural game saw the New York Giants edge out the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in a rain-soaked affair. This wasn’t just a win for the Giants but a monumental victory for NFL fans in the UK, proving that there was a substantial appetite for American football across the pond.

The Jacksonville Jaguars: London’s Team

Enter the Jacksonville Jaguars, a franchise that has embraced London as its second home. Starting in 2013, the Jaguars committed to playing one home game per season at Wembley, a relationship that has flourished over the years. Their presence has not only boosted the NFL’s popularity in the UK but has also fostered a loyal fan base in London. The Jaguars’ games at Wembley have become annual spectacles, blending the flair of American football with the rich traditions of British sporting culture.

2024: A Record-Breaking Showdown

The 2024 season marked a significant milestone in this transatlantic partnership. On October 20, 2024, the Jaguars faced off against the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium. The game attracted a record crowd of 86,651 fans, the largest attendance for an NFL game in the UK to date. The Jaguars delivered an electrifying performance, securing a 32-16 victory. Highlights included Parker Washington’s stunning 96-yard punt return touchdown, the longest in NFL London history.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season

The NFL’s commitment to London shows no signs of waning. The 2025 season is set to feature multiple games in the UK, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns designated as the home teams for these international fixtures. The Jaguars will continue their tradition of playing at Wembley Stadium, further cementing their bond with the UK fan base.

Wembley Stadium’s Hidden Gem

While many are familiar with Wembley’s grandeur, few know about its hidden feature—a retractable running track beneath the pitch. Intended for athletic events, this feature has never been used since the stadium’s reopening in 2007. The logistics and costs associated with converting the stadium for track and field events have rendered this feature dormant, a testament to the stadium’s multifaceted design that remains largely untapped.

A Cultural Exchange: NFL Meets British Fandom

The NFL games at Wembley have become more than just sporting events; they’re cultural exchanges. British fans have embraced American traditions, from tailgating to the flamboyant halftime shows. Conversely, American teams and fans have indulged in British customs, enjoying pints at local pubs and exploring London’s historic landmarks. This fusion has created a unique atmosphere that celebrates the best of both worlds.

A Legacy in the Making

Wembley Stadium’s journey from its 1923 origins to its current status as a global sports hub mirrors the NFL’s own evolution and international ambitions. The stadium has not only witnessed historic moments in traditional football but has also become a pivotal venue for American football. As the NFL continues to expand its global footprint, Wembley stands as a symbol of this cross-cultural collaboration, with the Jacksonville Jaguars leading the charge. The future promises even more thrilling matchups and record-breaking crowds, solidifying Wembley Stadium’s place in NFL history.

10 NFL Players with the Funniest Names

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The off-season is upon us, which means it’s time to fill the void with anything NFL to remind us what a great game it is. To that, we thought we would look at some of the NFL players with the Funniest names. From past legends to current stars, the NFL has seen its fair share of memorable monikers that have left fans chuckling in the stands and at home. Let’s dive into our list of the 10 NFL players whose names have become almost as famous as their on-field achievements, and let’s face it, just funny to say. 

1. Dick Butkus – The Name That Started It All

Perhaps the most legendary funny name in NFL history belongs to one of its greatest linebackers. Dick Butkus, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973, became a Hall of Famer despite (or perhaps partially because of) his unfortunately comedic name. The combination of his first and last name has provided decades of entertainment for football fans, even as they acknowledge his status as one of the most fearsome defenders ever to play the game.

 2. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – No Joke About His Talent

Born Ha’Sean, but nicknamed “Ha Ha” by his grandmother in childhood, Clinton-Dix has embraced his unique moniker throughout his NFL career. The former Green Bay Packers safety’s name has been the source of countless broadcast chuckles and social media memes, but his play on the field – including a Pro Bowl selection in 2016 – has proven he’s no laughing matter.

 3. Barkevious Mingo – Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Movie

With a first name that sounds like it could belong to an alien overlord, Barkevious Mingo has been turning heads since entering the league in 2013. The linebacker’s name has inspired numerous fan discussions about whether it’s the most unique name in NFL history, and it’s certainly in the running for that title.

 4. D’Brickashaw Ferguson – Offensive Line Royalty

The former New York Jets left tackle’s parents created his distinctive first name after a character in “The Thorn Birds” named Father Ralph de Bricassart. The result was a name that sounds both regal and slightly ridiculous, perfect for a man who would protect quarterbacks for 10 solid NFL seasons.

 5. Equanimeous St. Brown – Poetry in Motion

Currently playing as a wide receiver, Equanimeous Tristan Imhotep J. St. Brown might have the most sophisticated-sounding funny name in NFL history. His father, a former Mr. Universe, gave all his sons unique names, but Equanimeous stands out even among his uniquely-named brothers (one of whom, Amon-Ra, also plays in the NFL).

6. Captain Munnerlyn – Born to Lead

When your parents name you “Captain,” you’re either destined for greatness or endless jokes – in Munnerlyn’s case, it was both. The former NFL cornerback lived up to his commanding first name during his career, though broadcasters never tired of pointing out the apparent rank in his name.

7. Taco Charlton – A Delicious Talent

While his real first name is Vidauntae, “Taco” Charlton has embraced his nickname throughout his NFL career. The defensive end has heard every possible food-related pun during his time in the league, but the name has certainly helped make him memorable among fans.

8. Colt McCoy – Too Perfect to Be Real

Sometimes a name is funny simply because it’s too perfect. Colt McCoy sounds like a character from a 1950s Western movie rather than a real NFL quarterback. The veteran signal-caller’s name has been bringing smiles to fans’ faces since his college days at Texas.

 9. Whitney Mercilus – Ironically Named

The former Houston Texans linebacker’s last name (pronounced “merciless”) seemed almost too perfect for a defensive player. Despite his intimidating surname, Mercilus was known as one of the nicest players off the field, creating an amusing contrast that fans and media often noted.

 10. Ikponmwosa Igbinosun – Tongue-Twister Supreme

While his NFL career was brief, Igbinosun’s name earns a spot on this list for its sheer complexity and the challenge it presented to broadcasters and fans alike. The defensive end’s full name became something of a legend among announcers who had to prepare extensively just to attempt its pronunciation.

While these names might draw chuckles, they’ve also helped these players stand out in a league of thousands. A memorable name can become part of a player’s brand, helping them remain in fans’ memories long after their playing days are over. In some cases, these unique monikers have even helped players build their personal brands and post-NFL careers.

For fans and commentators alike, these distinctive names add an extra layer of entertainment to the game we all love. They remind us that football, for all its seriousness and competition, can also be a source of joy and amusement, even if that wasn’t what their parents intended when filling out those birth certificates.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the sport, these names serve as reminders that sometimes the most memorable aspects of football have nothing to do with what happens on the field. They’ve become part of NFL folklore, ensuring that these players will be remembered not just for their athletic achievements, but for the smiles their names have brought to fans’ faces over the years. Which player do you think had/ has the funniest name? 

Popeyes UK-Review

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As a group with some native North Americans, we thought we would try to pair some of our home cooking, with a slate of Week 13 NFL games. 

Well, not really home-cooking, we decided to go with Popeyes Chicken, as the franchise has now made a ceremonious arrival on UK shores.

Surely this new kid in town would provide a yummy alternative to the endless BBQ’s and deep fried wings we usually host for ourselves? 

Nope, it was a total shitshow, so let’s break down it went in our Popeyes UK-Review.

The Menu

The menu itself is a redacted version of one you might find in North America, as many of these Popeyes come from ‘dark kitchens’, where not even the chefs are privy to the whole menu. 

We decided to use Just Eat, as Deliveroo continually ‘forgot’ our login details, so we opted for the service which was the least pain in the ass. Big mistake. 

At first we wanted to order up the Value Bundle of 4 sandwiches with wings, but upon realising that none of this came with fries, spending almost £40 on chicken sandwiches was sort of ludicrous. 

We opted for a classic Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich, the festive chicken burger with habanero and sage stuffing. Never had it before, and it sounded like the right way to kick off a Thanksgiving weekend of games. 

We added some BBQ wings, and some of the Popeye’s famous gravy to chug. Clickety-tickety boom, and hit submit. We purposely ordered right on the hour, so that we could track the progress like real lazy pants fans. Order confirmed, looks like it will arrive in 25-40 minutes. 

Wait

As we started to get hangry, we popped for the arrival of this famous chicken, even cleaning up a bit, like the chicken sandwich would judge us for the state of this NFL party. 

A quick check of the app showed that it had been pushed back 40 to 50 minutes, which is why it’s always good to screen shot these for proof when they eventually mess up, and blame you. 

As the time started to countdown to arrival, a curious thing happened, the time kept pushing back again. We had now been waiting 40 minutes, and it was still going to be another 40. Hmmm, on a Sunday night? 

One of the guys got impetuous, popped out of his seat while watching his team, and went to collect a pizza out of frustration. The rest of us laughed, ‘it’ll get here before you get backdate!’ Spoiller alert, it didn’t so we fired up the deep fryer and started tossing everything Costco in for stomach’s sake. 

With the pizza and shrimp torpedo’s mowed down, it was time to check in with Just Eat, which we now referred to as ‘Just Don’t Eat’. Still another 30 minutes, and we had just hit the 1 hour mark.

Just as we were about to hit the cancel order for over £40 worth of food, we got a notice that our driver was en route, and would be less than 15 minutes. Uh huh, sure. As we followed his moped on the little map, the 15 minutes started to wane, morphing into 20, 25, then staying at 15 again. 

By this point the hanger was gone, and replaced by sheer giddy goofiness that on a quiet Sunday night, a bag of chicken would take less time to arrive than it would to make a roast chicken dinner for 4. 

One hundred and 10 minutes later, there was a buzz at the door, the food was already here. Thanks to the wait, beer and empty stomachs, we had a little buzz of our own going on. 

The driver was unapologetic, and responded angrily to the query ‘wonder how cold this is going to be?’
It was time to taste it. 

The Food

Just like Lambeau Field in December, the food was so cold, it could be kicked through some uprights. 

The original chicken sandwich had turned to a cold slop from the sauce, and a few bites were taken with a grimace, while the rest was tossed into the back yard for the foxes to salvage. Even they had given up waiting by this point. 

The Festive Burger was like a family debate over politics, just ugly, and not something that you planned on getting involved in. Clumps of stuffing piled on the floor, like a childhood pillow. It was chalky on the tongue, and immediately scrape worthy. 

With the Festive Burger also being tossed to the fence, it was time to try the wings! Cold wings are usually good, right? Usually. These were slathered in a tart BBQ sauce that had an ‘is this off?’ vibe about it. They were some tiny, and bony, that getting meat off of them was easier just to ‘suck’.

As we decided to dip one of the wings in the special biscuit gravy, we checked the bags…and uh oh! They forgot the sauce. Should we call back? How long would that take? 

The Verdict 

It’s hard to tell who to blame in this debacle, but it would seem that Just Eat would have to shoulder the bulk of it for the sheer ineptitude of their process. 

Popeyes was able to take the order, but Just Don’t Eat struggled with the processing of the order, as well as the delivery. 

Let’s just say the whole thing left a bad taste in all our mouthes, and made us embarrassed to be North Americans, knowing somehow our British friends would layer the blame on us, and our crappy franchises. 

This truly one crappy meal, and we won’t be doing that again. 0/5 stars and stripes. 

As of publication, we have heard nothing back from Popeyes or Just Eat. How sad. 

Week 1 Picks

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That unexplainable feeling of excitement rushing through your veins right now is football, because the NFL is back baby! Let’s start this season right with our Week 1 Picks for the 2024 season.

To hear all of the picks, and to listen to all the reasoning from Ryan and Wade, just click on this link here for all the glory of the full episode.

Of course, if you’re far too lazy to listen to 45 minutes of punditry, we can also give you some of the boys top tips for the week, so that you can just roll into your betting app, and drop some jingles.
It is week 1, which means predictions don’t usually mean squat, but if you make them with attitude, they seem to have a bit more mustard.

Week 1 Picks

So let’s take a look at some of the top tips for Sunday and Monday, after the Chiefs and Eagles have already secured their W’s for the weekend.

Ryan

It’s all about the Bills again for Ryan this year, as his Canadian-ness propels him to root for a border city team. Will the Bills be able to make the playoffs this year after another season of disappointment?
Ryan’s first big upset is the Jacksonville Jags over the Dolphins in the battle of Florida. With the Fins losing loads of D this year, he likes Trevor and the Jags to cause a little upset in the sun on Sunday. Despite Miami being favoured by 3, he likes Jacksonville to win by 2.
Chugging on with his upset train, Ryan has the Panthers getting their first W of the year with a win over division rivals New Orleans. Despite a sucky season in 2023, Ryan likes Bryce Young and the team to move the chains against a limp Saints squad.
His last upset of the 1pm games sees the feisty Colts getting a victory at home over the visiting Texans. Overlooking the heroics of CJ Stroud last year, Ryan likes the horses to apply the pressure and era out a win.

Wade

Wade also has a series of upsets on tap for his Week 1 Picks, and some of them might surprise you.
Wade has the G-Men winning at home over the Vikings, as he likes Daniel Jones and the home squad over a Sam Darnold led team which has way to many question marks on it. It’ll be tight, but he thinks the Giants will prevail.
Much to Ryan’s dismay, Wade is also taking the Cardinals for an upset against the Bills at home. Buffalo has a notoriously slow start, so he likes Arizona to start the season with a fierce and fast start against the Bills.
Another upset that he is eyeing up is the 4pm contest between the Raiders and Chargers in LA. With Justin Herbert suffering a foot injury at the start of the season, things suddenly look questionable for the Chargers with such a nagging problem. Antonio Pierce likes to start with lots of energy, something that Las Vegas will be opening a can of.

DraftKings

Do you like to play Weekly Fantasy Football? Then why not join our DraftKings League, where you can play for free and paid every week.
All you have to do is click below, and join one of our many weekly contests. You don’t need to pay to play, unless of course you want to win some cash!

https://dkn.gs/r/jPPbmLURQUWWfYH-Md1G9g

NFL Viewing Parties

Does your bar or pub show the NFL in the UK? Are you looking to promote your venue to attract more NFL fans? Just reach out to us, and we can help put some bums in your seats, so that you can be an exclusive NFL in London approved venue.

We can help you promote the events, add NFL trivia or comedy, as well as help you create some authentic North American menu options.

Just reach out, and we can help!

NFC Predictions

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With the season less than a week away, the boys have made their NFC Predictions for 2024, and there are quite a few surprises here!

It’s time for another podcast, as Ryan and Wade crank up the season ahead of a very exciting new season. Who will go to the big game? Who is taking their division? Which teams will be sucking donuts this season? The guys go through it all!

To listen to the whole podcast make sure that you click here for some goodness.

Here are a few thoughts from the podcast for all you Lazy Lester’s who don’t like holding out for all the goods.

NFC Predictions

NFC East

This division could either be a stellar battle, or a sad layout of bad coaching and even worse play. The Eagles were a shell of their former selves, the Cowboys are still awaiting contracts to be finalised, the WFT will be ‘re-building’, and the Giants? Who knows?
Ryan has the Eagles taking the division with 11 wins, taking the lead over them ‘Boyz who he is predicting to have a spectacular fall. (as in from grace). Washington will limp out with 8 wins, and he sees the Giants struggling to get 5 wins.
Wade also has the Eagles taking top spot, but thinks that they can get to 12 wins with some coaching changes. Let’s see what the loss of Kelce means to Hurts’ mobility. He also has the Cowboys in second, but sees them winning 10 games at least. Both Wade and Ryan see the Redskins going 8-9, with injury concerns if they run the heck out of their rookie QB. Wade has the Giants only claiming 3 wins this season, in a very frustrating affair.

NFC North

All hail the north! The icy tundra of football was won by the Lions last year, something they haven’t done in decades. Can they take the top spot over the Packers again this season, with the Bears loading up on talent? Oh yeah, and Minnesota.
Ryan is going ‘all-in’ on the Pack to take the north, even being so bold as to think they will go 12-5 on the back of Jordan Love. He sees the Lions sinking to second place, with the Bears getting 9 wins to take third place. He also thinks the Vikings will be lucky to get their 6 wins.
Wade might be a Bears fan, but he still thinks that Detroit is top lock to take this division. His Bears will come in at second place with 10 wins, and the Packers just behind with 9. Love struggled at the start of the season, and there is no reason to think that he is just going to ball out this year, just ’cause. The Vikings take home last spot, just like Ryan.

NFC South

Eesh, the South has been a nasty place for the past few years, with everyone struggle to line up some W’s. Cousins is in ATL now, and with all that talent in place, it’s hard to not see why he won’t come out on top. Baker led the Bucs to a big playoff win last season, and all the weight is on him to shine now that he’s being paid. The Saints hate their QB, as do the Panthers, which is never a good start.
Ryan is big on ATL to take it here, and sees them hitting 11 wins to boot. The rest of the division is due a losing record according to him, with Tampa, New Orleans and Carolina going down in that order.
Wade too likes ATL to win this won with 10 wins, although he sees the Bucs close behind with 9. New also has New Orleans and the Panthers following, but with the cats able to muster 5 wins this year off of some running.

NFC West

The West is best for the past few years, as the 49ers have taken top spot since the Rams won the Super Bowl. Stafford and the boys had a good season last year, so maybe McVay has some things cooking for ’24? Arizona and Seattle are beyond rebuilding, so things need to happen for them this year.
Ryan has the Niners taking top spot, but likes the Seahawks to sneak in just behind with a 10 win season.  He thinks the Rams gave away too much D, and will struggle to contain some of the other high scoring teams. He has the Cards last with an 8 win season.
Wade also has the Niners getting 11 W’s, with the Rams just behind them with 10. He has a tie in 3rd and 4th place, with the Seahawks and Cardinals both getting 7 wins a piece.
That’s it for our NFC Predictions! How many do you think the guys got right?
Spoiler Alert! No one EVER thinks anyone picks the right standings, so go ahead and blast away.
Enjoy the 2024 NFL season everyone!