NFL in London

National Football League in London

San Francisco 49ers

Where to Stay-Edmonton Green

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Loads of NFL fans from around the world have asked us about the London games, as well as tips on making your trip to the capital the best NFL experience ever.

In this post we will look at Where to Stay-Edmonton Green, an area just north of the stadium and close action to get you to the games.

Edmonton Green

Ask most Londoners 10 years ago what they thought about ‘Edmonton’, they would have shaken their heads and asked ‘why do you want to go there?’

Like everything touched by gentrification, North London continues to bloom as the cost of living pushing people further north.
Things that use to be dodgy, are now ‘up and coming’, and you can count Edmonton Green as one of those areas.

The lower part of Edmonton is known as Upper Edmonton, while the northern part is referred to as Edmonton Green, not confusing at all.

The area in Enfield Council has seen a boom in recent years as big box stores, massive condos, and new bus routes dot the area.

Where to Stay

Edmonton Green has plenty of moderately priced hotels and motels suited for anyone looking to pop in to watch the games at Tottenham.
While you could stay in the area for the Wembley games, it will be dead as a doorknob, and you might want somewhere with a bit more flavour.

Some of the hotels you might want to look at in the area include:

Travelodge Edmonton

You know what to expect from a Travelodge, and this location near the main roads will suit you fine if you’re looking for a standard stay and close getaway.

Conveniently located, and with parking, this recently updated hotel is all you need if you’re looking for an affordable night in North London.

As of our checking, we found rates during the London games from £40 per night.

If you want to find out more, you can book here.

https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/527/London-Edmonton-hotel?sb=0

Premier Inn-Edmonton

From one big chain to another, the Premier Inn is another convenient location right near the heart of Edmonton Green, and a quick trip to White Hart Lane to catch the NFL games.

Unlike the Lodge, this one has it’s own bar and grill for those of you too lazy to venture out of the lobby.
Parking does look like it is charged at £12 a day, which is far less than London congestion charges.

Bog standard Premier Inn, but you can book it here.

https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/london-edmonton.html

Air B’nB’s

Given that this area of London is more residential, you will be spoilt for choice if you decide to book ahead and get an Air’B’n’B.

When we looked there were dozens of properties available for rent in the area, with some including full house rentals for those of you travelling with a group.

Where to Eat & Drink

Much like most of London, the city is a melting pot of various cultures, with nice smells coming from every corner.

With influences of Turkish, Greek, Albanian with traditional British fare, and a thriving high street, there is plenty of food to be found to fill you up before or after the game.

The Lamb-Edmonton

A traditional British boozer with loads of great pints on tap, as well as loads of TV for live sport.

If you want to grab a few pints before or after the game.

https://www.craftunionpubs.com/lamb-edmonton

Chaudhrys Buffet

Get your food bag on with a trip to this big ass buffet in North London.
Perfect for filling you up before or after a heavy night, who says no to a buffet?

https://chaudhrysbuffet.co.uk/

The area is quite safe, with a thriving high street, and plenty of big shops in case you just want to pick up a few things and eat in your room.

Getting to the Stadium

It’s an easy-peasy 8 minute trip to the stadium on the London Overground, with less than a 2 mile trek to the Tottenham Stadium from Edmonton Green.

There are also several buses available if the train is too busy, but given that it’s coming from the north of London, chances are it will be pretty available.

If you’re looking for places to stay, or need information, feel free to reach out!

 

Toughest in the NFL

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Which current and former players are considered the ‘Toughest in the NFL’?

We asked AI of course, because computers love American football! (at least our chat AI does).

So when we asked a few programs to tell us who indeed made the coveted Top 10 list, we were surprised to see Kobe Bryant and Cal Ripken on that chart. Hmmm, curious.

One player that was consistently left off the list, was former Cardinals hero Pat Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire. After mentioning to the arty-intelligence that it was surprising he was off the list, they all corrected it.

Anyway, here’s what AI has to say about it

Title: The Unyielding Titans: Top 10 Toughest Men to Have Played in the NFL

Introduction

The National Football League (NFL) is synonymous with grit, determination, and athleticism. Throughout its storied history, the league has seen an array of remarkable players who embody the essence of toughness. From bone-crushing tackles to awe-inspiring comebacks, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we explore the top 10 toughest men to have ever graced the NFL, showcasing their unwavering resilience and dedication to the game.

  1. Dick Butkus

Regarded as one of the most fearsome linebackers in NFL history, Dick Butkus’ ferocious hits and relentless pursuit of opponents made him a true force on the field. Playing primarily for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s, Butkus’ tenacity and leadership set the standard for modern linebackers.

  1. Jack Lambert

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense owed much of its success to linebacker Jack Lambert. His missing front teeth became emblematic of his hard-nosed playing style. Lambert’s fierce competitiveness and ability to dominate the field through pain and injury solidified his legacy as one of the toughest players ever.

  1. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor revolutionized the linebacker position with his unmatched speed and aggression. A cornerstone of the New York Giants’ defense, Taylor’s ability to disrupt plays and intimidate opponents earned him multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and a lasting reputation as a defensive powerhouse.

  1. Brett Favre

A symbol of perseverance, Brett Favre’s record-setting career as a quarterback spanned an astonishing 20 seasons. Favre’s durability and willingness to play through injuries showcased his ironclad commitment to the game. His streak of consecutive starts is a testament to his remarkable toughness.

  1. Steve McNair

Known for his dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback, Steve McNair’s resilience was truly inspiring. McNair’s ability to perform at a high level despite a litany of injuries earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His dedication and willingness to give his all made him a true warrior on the field.

  1. Ronnie Lott

Safety Ronnie Lott’s defining moment came in the 1985 playoffs when he opted to have a portion of his finger amputated in order to play. This unwavering commitment to the game perfectly encapsulates Lott’s toughness. His hard-hitting style and fearless demeanor made him a legend in the NFL.

  1. Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis, the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, exemplified passion and intensity. His pre-game speeches are legendary, motivating his team to perform at their best. Lewis’ ability to play through pain and inspire his teammates showcased his unmatched resolve and determination.

  1. Chuck Bednarik

As the last of the “60-minute men,” Chuck Bednarik’s ability to excel as both a linebacker and center during the game’s early days demonstrated his incredible endurance. His bone-rattling hit on Frank Gifford in 1960 remains a defining moment in NFL history, underlining his unyielding toughness.

  1. Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s remarkable blend of power, speed, and durability made him one of the greatest running backs of all time. Despite a relatively short career, Brown’s ability to take on defenders head-on and consistently produce on the field solidified his reputation as an unrelenting force.

  1. Pat Tillman

Pat Tillman’s story is one of the most inspiring tales of sacrifice and courage in NFL history. After the tragic events of 9/11, Tillman left behind his lucrative NFL career to join the United States Army. His decision to forgo personal gain and put his life on the line showcases an unparalleled level of toughness that goes beyond the football field.

Conclusion

The NFL has seen its fair share of remarkable athletes who have redefined the concept of toughness. From bone-crunching tackles to inspiring comebacks, these players have shown an unyielding commitment to the game. Through their unwavering determination, they’ve left an indelible mark on the league and continue to inspire aspiring players to push their limits and embrace the true essence of toughness. Pat Tillman’s inclusion in this list stands as a reminder that toughness extends beyond physical prowess, embodying the courage to make sacrifices for a greater purpose.

What do you think?
In our opinion, AI is no immediate direct threat when it fails to add Tillman, or even the crazy Lyle Alzado to the list.

NFL Top 100

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It’s the offseason still, which means fans are obsessing over data as their Fantasy Draft looms, and with the NFL Top 100 list being released by the NFL Network this week, fans and players are up in a tizzy.

This annual list compiled by the NFL is always good for motivating players, as professional athletes are fuelled by ego, so telling someone that they are ranked ’89th’ when they feel like they should be ‘#1’ is quite common.

We’re not going to look at the whole list in this post, instead focusing on the Top 10 players provided by the NFL

We’ll look at the top 10 ranked players by the NFL Network for the 2023 season, and decide if we agree or disagree, and slot in the person we think should be there. Sound good?

NFL Top 10

1. Patrick Mahomes-AGREE

Patrick Mahomes is our top player for 2023, after another commanding performance and Super Bowl in 2022. Mahomes is the best playmaker in the league, whether it’s consistently finding Travis Kelce ANYWHERE on the field, to his amazing baseball and side throws. In 2022 the NFL world claimed that Joe Burrow was going to win it all, but then came Mahomes and set the records straight.

2. Josh Allen-DISAGREE

Josh Allen is a great QB, but if 2022 was any indication, there is still a lot to be done in Buffalo. Allen has a tendency to force the ball down the field on long attempts, which made the Bills either playing catch-up, of Josh getting picked. With all the drama going on in Buffalo, and changes to the AFC East, maybe the Bills time has passed.

Our #2-Joe Burrow

3. Joe Burrow-DISAGREE

We had Joe Burrow in second place to Mahomes, after two solid years of playoff contention. Burrow has had to contend with depleted O-lines, injuries to his wide-receivers, and to himself, but still this LSU boy continues to deliver competitive performances. The Bengals have made the changes to support Burrow this season, and the only way is up!

Our #3-Tyreek Hill

4. Nick Bosa-DISAGREE

Nick Bosa is a beast, and has an amazing impact on pushing the 49ers D into the directions that they need to go. But number 4 ranked player in the NFL? One could argue that TJ Watt (when healthy) has more of a dramatic effect on D in changing game tempo.
Bosa is good, but maybe not that good.

Our #4 Travis Kelce

5. Myles Garrett-DISAGREE

Garret is a monster in the trenches, and can single-handedly change a game, combined with the whole Browns D, but number 5 is pretty high for a guy who has had some up and down seasons.
This good be a pivotal year for Myles, especially if Deshaun finally comes into gear.

Our #5-Justin Jefferson

6. Travis Kelce-DISAGREE

When you look at the TE stats, and how much of an impact player Kelce is, it is truly amazing. Probably the best TE to play the game, Kelce continues to deliver across the middle of the field, shaking of tiny defenders with ease.
The tandem of Mahomes-Kelce is the most consistent point-scoring machine in the NFL.
Hard to see if slowing down in 2023.

Our #6-Josh Allen

7. Justin Jefferson-DISAGREE

JJ is the top wide receiver in the NFL right now, and is top of the list in most fantasy drafts for 2023. It’s a shame that he has Kirk Cousins as a QB, but the Vikings still look like top candidates for the NFC North title. Jefferson is a beast, that’s why we had him earlier up at #5.

Our #7-Nick Bosa

8-Micah Parsons-AGREE

Micah Parsons IS the Dallas D, becoming one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. While most people shudder at the thought of watching the Cowboys play, seeing Micah on the field is an absolute delight.
Dallas has a lot to do this season if they want to pip the mighty Eagles, but Parsons will be one of the keys to shut down D.

9-Aaron Donald-DISAGREE

Oh the poor Rams. They spent to buy a Super Bowl, and now they are stuck with some thing, and often injured talent. Donald is 32 years old and missed 5 games to injury in 2022, so it’s surprising that the NFL Network ranked him so highly on this list.

Our #9-Chris Jones

10-Trent Williams-DISAGREE

There is no denying that Trent Williams is the best left tackle in the league, and definitely belongs in the top 15, but top 10 might be a stretch. There are a lot of pieces to the San Francisco D, and Williams is deffo a big part of it.

Our #10-TJ Watt

That’s it for review of the NFL Top 100 put out by the NFL Network. Who do you think should be in the top 10?

 

 

Bear Down

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We swapped out one Ryan for another, on this special Bear Down podcast!

Bear Down

Usually our podcast is bolstered by a Bills and a Bears fan, but with Ryan Cull still on vacay with the fam-jam, we’ve brought in our friend, and Bears fan Ryan Andrews on this one. It feels all NFC North!

To listen to the latest edition of the podcast, just click here and let your worries wash away in this engaging new edition.

Among some of the things Ryan and Wade talk about in this one includes:

Where the Bears

With two Bears fans on, the big elephant in the room needs to be addressed: ‘Are the Bears going to stay in Chicago proper?’

Ryan is from Illinois, so he has his own thoughts on Soldier Field, as well as the potential of moving the team up to Arlington Heights where they are looking for some state help in financing.

How long will it take to put this whole thing together anyhow?

Offseason Idiocy

As far as off-season arrests have been, this has been one of the quieter years than past. Have young NFL players stopped doing stupid things? Have mobile phones made it tougher to be clean in the offseason? Or are young players finally fearful of losing a career path?
Kinda, sorta.

Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison pulled a bonehead move this week, when he was caught speeding over 140 mph in a 50 zone. Not so bright. Luckily, no one was injured, but still a stupid move for someone trying to make a team impact this season. Hopefully the veterans in the locker room are relentless to Jordan.

Topping this stunt isn’t hard if you’re Jaguars player Chris Claybrooks, who has been arrested on domestic violence charges for the second time in four months.
It’s doubtful that Jacksonville will want to hang on to this liability with anger management issues.
Hopefully he can get the help he needs, but it won’t be in the NFL.

Comm and Go

Dan Synder is finally out, as the Washington Commanders sale has finally been approved to billionaire Josh Harris.
Most in the league are happy to see Snyder go, after tanking a venerable franchise through shadiness and a ‘hands on’ approach to coaching, despite having no training there.

For many fans, comes the real question. ‘are you going to change the team name again?’
While some harken for a return to the classic ‘Washington Football Team’, others are pushing for a name that addresses reparations (a buzzword in America these days).

However it goes, Washington still has a lot of rebuilding to do. With one of the worst stadiums in the NFL, declining numbers, and the lack of a real fan draw could see them fall back into a purgatory of trying to fight the NFC East, while battling themselves.

Giant Fail?

The NY Giants are currently dealing with the Saquon situation which is quickly spiralling out of control.

To mitigate the damage, and offer a little roster hope, the Giants signed Cole ‘anti-vax’ Beasley, and often cut running back James Robinson.
Robinson was the belle of the Jaguars ball only a few years ago, that has seen him slip and slide around the AFC East.
As for Beasley, he’s just there to slop up from the injuries.

Madden 24

Madden is back, so warm up you thumbs and prepare to get whooped online by some 10 year old in his basement.

Of course the big thing about Madden these days is ego, as players toss the toys from the pram as soon as they don’t secure that sweet 99 rating.

The new Madden has been released, and only a few are elite members of that 99 club. So congrats Patrick Mahomes, and Justin Jefferson, you deserve it.

We’ll also have more NFL fantasy news coming up in the next few weeks, so watch this space!

Football Movies

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The NFL season is creeping closer to us, but still not close enough! Like many of you, we have been watching Football Movies throughout the summer to get us in the mood.

Here are a few movies to consider watching prior to the start of the season to get you in the mood.

Football Movies

Brian’s Song

Let’s kick it off with the only movie on the list that will have you in tears by the end of it (hopefully).

This 1971 ABC ‘Movie of the Week’ starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams hits with all the feels, as we follow Chicago Bears player Brian Piccolo on his journey through cancer with his buddy and teammate Gale Sayers.

Taken from Sayers biography ‘I am Third’ the movie hit men so hard in the 70s, it became known as the top ‘guy-cry’ movies in male cinema history.

The TV movie was so popular back then,  ABC actually rented out some theatres to show the film in wider release. Critics have called ‘Brian’s Song’-‘the greatest TV movie ever made’, which is pretty high esteem given the TV movies of the 70s’.

Don’t take our word for it, make sure that you check out Brian’s Song for yourself. Even better, drag in a non-NFL fan and make them watch it with you. You’ll be converting like metric!

Any Given Sunday

Let’s get to the Oliver Stone of these Football Movies picks, with the 1999 classic ‘Any Given Sunday’.

Bolstered by a stellar cast including Pacino, Quaid, Diaz, Foxx, Woods, Modine, as well as some NFL greats like Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor, Dick Butkus and even Johnny Unitas, this film was our Y2K moment of football films.

The Miami Sharks led by Tony D’Amato have loads of problems in their 2001 season, until third stringer Willie Beamen steps up to try to save the team and the season.

You really can’t go wrong with Oliver Stone in the 90s’, especially with Cameron Diaz sending us that ‘smokin’ resting bitch face.

A true NFL classic.

Remember the Titans

Another football film about race hit the big screens a year later, as the 2000 Jerry Bruckheimer production of ‘Remember the Titans’ hit us hard, and in the feels.

Based on the true story of Virginia coach Herman Boone to integrate race and football into 1970s’ America, the film is layered with an incredible cast, solid writing, and some good tunes.

Oh and did we mention Denzel? Yeah, it stars Denzel Washington and features major talent like Ryan Gosling, Will Patton, Hayden Panettiere, Kate Bosworth, and Donald Faison.

Put this on for a feel good afternoon of missing football.

North Dallas Forty

If you’re going to make a football movie about the 70s’, then you might as well head back to the 70s’ to catch the best ones.

‘North Dallas Forty’ is a ruckus of a flick based on the best-selling 1973 novel by Peter Gent.  Starring the rogue Nick Nolte and featuring country singer Mac Davis, the film feels more like a football orgy, than a slick game play.

It feels more like a natural locker room setting, with booze, drugs and girls occupying most of the men’s minds.

Also featuring some great 70’s actors of the day, including: Charles During & Dabney Coleman.

Here’s the trailer for it.

Draft Day

Ok, it’s a bit outlandish, but this 2014 film from director Ivan Reitman gives a lampoonish insight into the Draft Day antics of GM Sonny Weaver of the Cleveland Browns.

Considered a box office flop, not only did it lose money, but it was also the last film for Ivan Reitman and Jim Brown before they died. Fortunately it didn’t happen on set.

Surprised that Jennifer Garner didn’t die on set when she was romantically paired with Kevin Costner in this one, but oh well, that’s Hollywood!

It’s worth watching at least for the inconsistencies.

Some other films you might want to look at also include:

Friday Night Lights

Billy Bob in a football classic

Varsity Blues

Girls watch it for Paul Walker, guys watch it for that Ali Larter whip cream bikini scene.

What are your favourite NFL movies? Let us know!