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History of Wembley and the NFL

March 21, 2025 by nflinlondon

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.

Filed Under: Featured, NFL London Tagged With: #JacksonvilleJaguars, #SportsTravel, #WembleyStadium #NFLLondon #JacksonvilleJaguars #NFLInternationalSeries #NFLUK, American Football UK, Football Culture, Houston Texans, jacksonville jaguars, Jaguars At Wembley, London Events, NFL 2025, NFL bets, NFL Fans, NFL Games London, NFL international series, NFL London, NFL memes, NFL news, NFL podcast, NFL tips, NFL Tottenham, NFL Wembley, nfllondon, NFLUK, Sports History, Sports Travel, Wade McElwain, Wembley History, Wembley Stadium, Where to watch NFL in London

DraftKings-Week 12 tips

November 24, 2019 by nflinlondon

It’s Sunday funday, when you need to frantically set all of your line-ups, chase down any missing pieces in your squad, and if you have to…draft players in.

DraftKings is fun, because it’s daily-so even if you have been sucking in your League this season, you can turn it all around in a fun play contest.
You don’t even need to play for money, there are loads of fun free play contests, including one in our League as well.
Here is our Sunday Funday Weekly Contest. Join now and pay for free each week.

https://www.draftkings.co.uk/draft/contest/81268625

So who do you have in your DraftKings contest this week? Here are some of my top picks to help get your contest sorted.

Ryan Tannehill-QB-TEN-$5300

Ryan Tannehill? Wade…have you lost it? Yes, but that’s not the point. You want to find someone who has value against and easier D, and that’s what old Tannehill has. It’s no secret that the Jags have been playing defensive poo lately, so this should be an easier match-up. Tannehill will hit Derrick Henry in the backfield a lot, which means he could 100 yards just from him. Tannehill hasn’t been playing that badly as of late, and should be of good value to balance out the rest of your squad with a $5300 price tag.

Kareem Hunt-RB-CLE-$5600

Kareem Hunt has been a shell of his former self this season, barely making an impact this season. But that will change this week for a few reasons. They are playing the Dolphins. That’s only one reason, but there are a lot of factors involved in this. The Dolphins will struggle to stop a Browns team that is still smarting from the Myles Garrett incident last week. The Browns are going to want to establish the run to punish the fish, and Hunt looks to play the big role here. The Dolphins will struggle against a power 2 of RBs bang into their line all day. Hunt should factor in at least 1 TD and at $5300, is a steal.

Robbie Anderson-WR-NYJ-$4800

The Raiders & the Jets face off in NY, and the stakes are high for the Jets. They have been able to muster a few wins, and might be able to shake off the mono-rail like performance earlier this season. The Raiders are horrible when it comes to stopping the deep ball, and this is where the Jets should be able to find some momentum. Anderson has got some wheels on him, which means he should be able to find separation to get into the open. At $4800 he is a good deal, just for the amount of yards he will plow through as well. I like him to at least get 1 TD here as the Jets will look to exploit the weak secondary of the Raiders.

Michael Thomas-WR-NO-$9300

Michael Thomas is straight up shattering records this season. He is chucking up the yards and TDs as he continues to have a stellar performance. No one seems to be able to stop him. Given the anemic defense of the Carolina Panthers, he should have another smoking game at home. Once he gets those legs rolling, and uses his height advantage, mere mortals are helpless. He should have a few TDs in this one.

Here are some other dudes you might want to target.

Mike Evans-WR-TB-$7300-Evans looks to have a great game against a Falcons team that can pass rush, but can’t defend deep. Jameis is still putting up big yards, and he should be getting the bulk of the looks.

Joe Mixon-RB-CIN-$5900-The Bengals can’t do anything right, but they can run. In fact, Mixon does most of the work for cats. He should gash some yards in the slot from Driskell as they look to avoid that pass rush.

Make sure you join our DraftKings League, which is aptly called NFLinLondon so that you can join in on all the fun.

https://dkn.gs/r/kwxDR0JIokKPkA6cPjCtNA

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, NFL Betting, NFL News, NFL Picks Tagged With: bill belichick, draftkings, draftkings nfl, FOX NFL, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, la chargers, London International, New Orleans Saints, NFL betting, NFL London, nfllondon, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Cull, tom brady, Wade McElwain

Week 2-Sky Sports

September 10, 2019 by nflinlondon

For those of you who watch Sky Sports NFL, good news!
They have some great games tee’d up for Week 2 of the NFL, so why not come to one of our locations and watch with us?
We will be at the Belushi’s Hammersmith this Sunday to help them kick it all off with wings, beer and good times!

The late game is the Saints vs Rams which should also be a doozy!

Get in touch if you would like to come down to one of our massive events!

Filed Under: Featured, NFL News Tagged With: belushis, Green Bay Packers, hammersmith, London, Minnesota Vikings, NFL in london, NFL London, nfllondon, rams, saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Podcast-Ep 58-Season Predictions

September 1, 2019 by nflinlondon

Any just like that, another NFL season is upon us.
But what will happen this season?
Who’s going to win it all?

Luckily, Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull are here to help out with all the info that you need.

They break down not only the top NFL news that has just occurred, but they also look at some of the other top stories to happen as we wind down the preseason.
Will Zeke make it back to the Cowboys?
How will the Colts fare without Andrew Luck?
What will the Texans do for a running back?

Listen, subscribe, share, have inappropriate relations with our audio.
It’s ok-you’re an adult.

Filed Under: Featured, NFL Podcasts Tagged With: Andrew Luck, Houston Texans, London, London International, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, NFL in london, NFL London, NFL memes, NFL news, NFL podcast, NFL Tottenham, nfllondon, NFLUK, podcast, Ryan Cull, tom brady, Wade McElwain, wembley

Podcast-Ep 57

August 24, 2019 by nflinlondon

Is 4 games too long for a preseason?

With the launch of the XFL next summer, is it time to reconsider the way we do this?

Wade & Ryan look at the state of the preseason set up, and why it might be time to shake up the way this is done.
They also talk about the mess that is Dallas, AB drama, and how Canada ruined the NFL.

Subscribe, share, listen, and enjoy.

Filed Under: NFL Podcasts Tagged With: Andrew Luck, Antonio Brown, canada, cfl, NFL preseason, nflinlondon, nfllondon, nflpodcast, NFLUK, tom brady, winnipeg

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