Touchdown! A Hilarious History of NFL Teams That Invaded London
Fancy a spot of American football without the pesky jet lag? Then you, my friend, are a true patriot (and probably live in jolly old England). The National Football League, that glorious bastion of pigskin and touchdowns, has been bringing its A-game (and sometimes its C-game, let's be honest) across the pond for years. But which teams have actually swapped their turf for some proper British tea and crumpets? Let's take a huddle and break it down.
From Giants to Jaguars: A Long and Storied (Sometimes Soggy) Affair
It all started in 2007, a simpler time when skinny jeans were all the rage. The New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins christened the whole shebang with a rather damp match at Wembley Stadium. Let's just say the weather gods weren't exactly cheering them on. But hey, a little rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm!
Since then, a whole host of teams have graced the London stage. San Francisco's 49ers probably felt right at home with the ever-present fog, while the Jacksonville Jaguars practically became London's adopted team, playing there more often than they did in... well, Jacksonville.
Not Your Average Tourist Trip: Who Gets to Play in London?
Not just any team gets a London vacation. The NFL has a fancy program called the International Series, which picks teams to play a regular-season game overseas. Sometimes it's based on popularity, sometimes it's a marketing ploy (think Jaguars and their "home away from home"), and sometimes it's just a coin toss because, hey, why not?
London Calling: Double Duty and Dual Venues
Things got interesting in 2013. The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to become honorary Brits, playing a whole game in London as their designated "home" turf. This opened the door for multiple games a year, with Wembley Stadium and the swanky new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium becoming the battlegrounds for gridiron glory.
Fast forward to today (well, technically 2024!), and the NFL is still going strong in London. This year, the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and everyone's favorite Florida team (the Jacksonville Jaguars, again!) are packing their helmets and heading east.
How to Score Big in London's NFL Scene (Figuratively, of Course)
So you fancy catching a game yourself? Here's a quick cheat sheet:
How to snag tickets? Keep an eye on the NFL website and team websites for announcements. Tickets go fast, so be prepared to tap-dance on your keyboard like it's the winning touchdown.
How to avoid jet lag for the visiting team? Easy, they just bring it with them! Although, a nice cuppa and a full English breakfast might do the trick.
How to dress for the occasion? Ditch the fancy frocks and break out your favorite jersey (or a Union Jack if you're feeling patriotic). Just remember, layers are your friend – British weather is as unpredictable as a Hail Mary pass.
How to understand the game? No worries, mate! The NFL has resources for newbies, and the passionate British fans are always happy to explain the finer points (like why someone keeps yelling "offsides").
How to act like a local? Learn a few cheers (like "Come on you Irons!" – just kidding, that's for another sport). But most importantly, embrace the atmosphere and enjoy the game!
