Imagine proper tea-drinking Brits embracing our rough, stop-start football. When the NFL first came to Wembley in 2007, no one thought it would work.
The irony is rich. We’ve sent them our worst teams, like the 2017 Browns who lost every game. It’s like giving them caviar on paper plates.
But the British keep coming, showing that the show is more important than the game. From 81,176 at the first game to 60,639 at the latest Tottenham game, London’s stadiums are always full.
They’ve made our sport their own special thing. Fifteen years later, every London game sells out quickly. Sometimes, the most unexpected love affairs tell the best stories.
Teams, Score, and Fan Experience
What have we been sending to London? A mix of football teams that don’t quite make it in the States. The Jacksonville Jaguars have become London’s team by default, playing there seven times. They do it for the $1 million they get.
The scores show how average American football is. Out of 31 games from 2007 to 2022, only 12 were close. Fifteen games were blowouts, making fans wonder why they watch.
- Patriots 46, Rams 7 (2012)
- Jaguars 44, Ravens 7 (2017)
- Rams 33, Cardinals 0 (2017)
It’s like serving old pizza to guests. It’s American, but not our best. The 2022 Packers-Giants game was the first with both teams having winning records. It was a small step forward.
But the British fans love the whole show. They get fireworks, military salutes, and semi-naked cheerleaders. It’s a big cultural event for them.
They enjoy the show, even if the football isn’t great. The series has turned into a cultural event, not just a game. The British fans are more enthusiastic than we deserve.
Teams like the Dolphins and Rams play there often. But Jacksonville leads with four games. It’s a strange way to connect cultures.
Maybe we’re teaching the British to cheer for losing teams. They’re getting really good at it.
Future for NFL Europe
The NFL realized sending football castoffs abroad wasn’t smart. They now have a divisional rotation system for international games. This brings real competition. Teams get $1 million for giving up home games, a big deal for billionaires.
Looking ahead to nfl london 2025 and more, the league is playing a smart game. Super Bowl hosts must play abroad. Each team gets overseas games every eight years. Germany is joining the fun until 2025, breaking Britain’s hold.
The future of London games might be exciting. Imagine watching games with teams Americans care about. The love story between the NFL and Europe is growing, with better games and strategy.
