The last time the NFL played in Munich, Tom Brady, in the final year of his career, was a shell of the seven-time Super Bowl-winning version, but his cosmopolitan aura was still intact — and he was the center of attention. 800,000 fans rushed to the venue. Waiting in line for tickets to secure one of the 69,811 seats, everyone in attendance seemed to be belting out the lyrics to “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
On Nov. 13, 2022, a night that also served as the league's regular-season introduction to Germany, the NFL appeared to have passed the test. The buzz was palpable on the streets and, of course, in the stadium. Brady showed his star power by throwing two touchdowns for the second time that season and holding off a comeback by the Seahawks' Geno Smith, earning him an invitation to his first career Pro Bowl later that year.
After two games in Frankfurt last season, the NFL returns to Munich on Sunday for a similar scene. Daniel Jones, Bryce Young, the 2-7 Giants and the 2-7 Panthers will be waiting for them.
Rather, the difference in quality and star power of the matchups will serve as a litmus test of sorts as the NFL continues to expand its international footprint beyond its London comfort zone.
