THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
The Ring of Honor is an accolade given by various US sports teams to a former player, coach or other individual who has played a major role in their success history. On Sunday October 6, the NFL granted the first ever NFL International Ring of Honour (with a 'u'!) to Osi Umenyiora. The ceremony took place during halftime at the New York Jets-Minnesota Vikings game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
Umenyiora said, I played in the first NFL regular-season game in London in 2007, so to be honoured this season is extremely humbling. The sport and the league have grown tremendously in the last 17 years, and we've seen the incredible impact that growth has had on young athletes and fans alike. I look forward to helping continue the league's international expansion in the years ahead and to inspire talent across the world.
Born in London, Umenyiora was played for 12 seasons, mainly with the New York Giants and subsequentially the Atlanta Falcons, winning two Super Bowl rings with the Giants. He played in two international games in London (2007 & 2014) and one in Toronto (2013). Following his retirement from playing, he has worked with the NFL to create the International Player Pathway program, and become a firm fan favorite through his television appearances presenting NFL shows on the BBC, Sky Sports and ITV.
The American interviewed London resident Osi in 2017 – you can read the interview here.
The NFL International Ring of Honour was also given to five-time Pro Bowler Jared Allen, who said, London is very close to my heart, with a loyal Vikings fanbase and a place I will always remember playing.
Osi and Jared are two fantastic honourees for our inaugural International Ring of Honour ceremony in London,
said NFL U.K. & Ireland General Manager Henry Hodgson. Both players had a role in cementing the league's international growth, and continue to have a significant impact on the game and our growing fandom in the U.K. We look forward to kicking off our 2024 NFL London Games recognizing and celebrating their contributions.
