THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Over the last three decades the National Football League has become such a giant in the sporting landscape on these shores that it has become the norm in everyday conversation. It has a following through not just sports, but pop culture, and fashion.
It is a culture that has captivated new generations over that time. Add to this the already captivated audience from the original 1980s boom, and the UK has a fan base that is now so large that the NFL knows it can guarantee sell-out stadiums when it brings its regular season games here.
Since 2007 the NFL has taken games away from its North America base and showcased them here. London is the hub, hosting games in Wembley Stadium, Twickenham, and the purpose-built Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Away from the games the NFL has periodical roadshows with players hosting clinics with school children and local communities, as well as live events where fans can attend and ask questions. These are held all around the country so that everyone can get their NFL fix.
The bread and butter though are the games, and this year is no different, The fervor and anticipation of which teams will play, and how many games there will be, usually start as soon as the Super Bowl finishes. The rotation of teams set up by the league to ensure all teams visit in a cycle helps ease that guessing game. This year there are three games scheduled for London, each having its own story to weave within the season.
October 6, 2024 – Tottenham Stadium
The Jets were set up for a deep run last season after the high-profile acquisition of former league MVP Aaron Rodgers. Then the star quarterback went down with a torn Achilles in the team's opening drive of the season, and the team could not rally enough. With Rodgers back they are once again hoping they will have a shot in the AFC. Third-year wide receiver Xavier Gipson will be a favored target for Rodgers, and a defense that has the experience and speed of Jermaine Johnson and Quinnen Williams will always create havoc.
The Vikings have parted ways with fan favorite veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had his own Achilles injury that meant the team failed to impress with a 7-10 record. The new era is now spearheaded by former Jets QB Sam Darnold who will be backed up by rookie JJ McCarthy, the 10th overall pick of this year’s Draft. The Vikings’ headline act though is Justin Jefferson, who is now the highest-paid receiver in league history. Expect plenty of “Griddy” dance moves if he gets to the end zone.
October 13, 2024 – Tottenham Stadium
London's adopted team, the Jaguars play their first of a two London games at Tottenham. A road game in a double sense as they play their “home” games in the UK at Wembley. The Jags are somewhat of a mystery as you never quite know what you will get from them. They will be red hot for one week, and then error-prone the next. Trevor Lawrence is still the man under center and has an established running back behind him in the form of Travis Etienne Jr.
Chicago is the team that always enters the season with renewed optimism that it will be their breakout year. This time around they have put that faith in the number one pick Caleb Williams. Named as the starter, the 22-year-old out of USC carried Bear Nation into the season with the dual pressure of being the top pick and reviving the fabled franchise. He will have some veteran help on offense with D’Andre Swift in the backfield, with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen as primary passing targets. Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker will be tasked with getting the Jags QB. As history has shown, that could be quite often.
October 20, 2024 – Wembley Stadium
The Jags move across town the following week, to host the Patriots. In days gone by this would be a virtual walkover for New England, but the days of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are long gone and this season the Boston club are tipped to be among the worst in the league. Jacoby Brissett is now the QB and his supporting cast on offense doesn’t inspire much. Rhamondre Stevenson is likely to lead the run game, and JuJu Smith-Schuster could emerge as the main receiver. Eyes will be on Jerod Mayo as he starts his first season as Head Coach of the franchise, having played on the team from 2008-15. He knows the winning mentality but turning the team around is a long job.
The NFL season starts on Thursday September 6 when champions Kansas City Chiefs, aiming for an unprecedented threepeat, host the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last season's AFC Championship game. The London games feature in weeks 5-7, so by then we should have an idea of how the teams are shaping up for the long season ahead.
