NFL IN LONDON: BRITS WEIGH IN
The Jacksonville Jaguars just completed a home game against the San Francisco Giants in London. They lost, of course, they’re the Jags. But, instead of losing in front of 6,000 fans, they lost at Wembley in front of 84,000.
Don’t think Commissioner Roger Goodell hasn’t crunched the numbers. Don’t think Jacksonville owner, Shad Khan, isn’t twirling his Salvador Dali mustache in anticipation of more games in London or maybe moving there permanently.
We scoured the internet and polled the Brits to get their take on how well American Football would do if London got a franchise. Some are excited at the prospect, some less so. Let’s listen:
James Hornsby says “I can’t see American football becoming marketable. We’re in a saturated market and it’s just a poor version of Rugby.”
Nigel Brookshier says “I saw a bunch of NFL flags intermingled with the union jack and the stars and stripes all up and down Regent Street. I thought to myself ‘someone is pushing muck uphill trying to get someone interested in that rubbish.’ Good luck with that, Mr. Goodell.”
Michael McPhillips answers “I’ve played Rugby, football, cricket and every game in between and, I think, to dismiss American Football so quickly is a mistake. This year, there were 77 university level teams, 50 adult teams, many youth and junior teams. People here are in demand of more American football.”
Felix Pickels says “I’m rather a fan of the gladiator game. The violent hitting followed by the patting on the bottom is quite charming.”
Nicholas Mushgarden says “84,004 watched the Rams vs the Patriots. I’d say American Football is more popular than Rugby, maybe as popular as soccer.”
Rupert Tricklebank offers “The attendance is based on novelty. If it were every week competing against the other two live games we have here, I imagine a notable drop off.”
Ridgewell Oldershaw responds “American Football is a great game to watch but it must rid itself of the sexist image with cheerleaders and all those adverts.”
Clive Penfield says “I don’t care for all this Americanisation. Some are saying we are the 51st state.”
Eunice Pemberton says “I rather like the shoulders on those Yankee players. In England we turn out to watch every sport. Where else can you find tickets impossible to get for early rounds of darts or snooker championships.”
Cedric Hancock says “It will never work. As big as the NFL is, they can’t even get a team in L.A. What makes them think a team will go in England?”
Cecil Blinkingship adds “Why do they call it football? Except for an odd kick the foot doesn’t touch the ball. These are all Nancy’s in heavy padding.”