NFL Expands International Games
Seems like, before I realized it, there was a game practically every week. The NFL and its international games have really ramped up this year, with nine games scheduled outside the U.S. That’s one game per week starting from the season’s kickoff, stretching all the way to Week 11, although they’re skipping Weeks 2 and 8.
Think back about 20 years. It felt almost impossible to think the NFL could reach this level of international presence. Sure, there were occasional games abroad, but that was about it.
Now, it’s as if the league is gearing up for a future where such games are a regular occurrence. Traditionally, NFL Sundays kick off at 1 p.m. ET and continue into the evening. The league seems to be seizing on earlier time slots as a chance to hold games internationally, making the most of global time differences.
Whatever their reasoning, it feels likely we’ll see more of these international matchups, which were really born in the UK. Osi Umenyiora, a former NFL player who’s been a key figure in this movement, recently spoke with SB Nation as the leading representative for Greater Together LA, the largest trade mission to the United States in British history. He shared insights about the league’s strategy for global expansion.
What’s Osi Umenyiora’s message to those skeptical about the NFL’s international ambitions? He encourages them to give it a chance, suggesting that “It has nothing to do with the fans in the United States. You’re not really losing anything. And more importantly, you’re exposing the game to different people, and you’re exposing different people to the game… if people from various cultures want to play, it’ll lead to an influx of talent within the NFL. This, in turn, will elevate coaching and overall gameplay.”
He continues, “Look at the Premier League, where individuals from diverse backgrounds enter the game. This enriches the sport, makes it more engaging, and invites fresh perspectives. Imagine if players from Japan, China, or Germany brought their unique thought processes to the NFL—it could completely transform the game. Embrace the change, and I believe it will turn out well.”
It was fascinating to hear Osi elaborate on the extensive thought, timing, and planning that goes into these international games. It’s clear that it’s not just about NFL football; there’s a lot more accountability involved.
Let’s keep an eye on how this develops.
