NFL International Series: History of NFL Games Outside America

Discover the evolution of the NFL International Series, from its origins to its current global expansion.

The National Football League (NFL) is known for its fierce competition and passionate fan base, and the league has also taken its show on the road to international venues. The NFL International Series is a series of regular season games that have been played outside the United States since 2007.

This showcase of American football has been a hit with fans around the globe and has brought the excitement of the National Football League to new audiences. The International Series has crisscrossed the globe from London to Mexico City, leaving a trail of unforgettable moments and memories. 

As the International Series reaches new heights, fans are not only tuning in to experience the thrill of live NFL action but also following the NFL playoffs odds to see which teams have the best chance of representing their country and taking the international crown.

In addition, the International Series has also sparked a global betting frenzy as enthusiasts around the world place their bets on NFL games, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already high-stakes contests. This article highlights the NFL games outside America, from when they started till date.

London Games
One destination that stands out for the NFL International Series is London. The city has played host to several regular season games since 2007, quickly becoming a favorite among fans and players. 

The first-ever NFL game in London was held in 2007 at Wembley Stadium, where the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Giants. From then on, London games became a regular feature on the NFL calendar, with multiple games played annually at Wembley and later at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The London games have brought American football to the UK and created a vibrant community of dedicated fans who gather to cheer on their favorite teams in the iconic venues. The London games have also been a massive success for the National Football League, providing an opportunity to grow the sport's global reach and attract new fans.

Mexico City Games
Mexico City has long been a hub for international sports, and the NFL International Series is no exception. The history of the NFL International Series in Mexico City dates back to 2005 when the Arizona Cardinals faced off against the San Francisco 49ers in Azteca Stadium. This was the first time an NFL regular season game had been played outside of the United States, and it was met with great enthusiasm from the Mexican fans.

Over the years, the NFL Series in Mexico City has grown in popularity, with more teams participating in the games each season. From the first touchdown scored on international soil to the Kansas City Chiefs' historic comeback to beat the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019, Mexico City games have always showcased the best of the National Football League.

Toronto Series
Toronto, Canada, is one of the most notable stops on the National Football League series global tour. The city has a rich football history, dating back to the early 1900s when teams from the area would compete against each other in the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union

However, it wasn't until 2008 that Toronto would host its first NFL game, a matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins at Rogers Centre. Since then, Toronto has become a regular host for the NFL International Series, welcoming teams such as the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and, most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs. 

These games not only provide Canadian fans with a chance to see some of the best players in the league, but they also serve as a way to introduce the sport to a new audience.

Germany Games
The National Football League announced on February 9, 2022, that the International Series slate would expand to include the Germany Games. Starting in 2022 and continuing through 2025, one game per year will be played in the beautiful Allianz Arena in Munich and the historic Waldstadion in Frankfurt. 

Following the immense popularity of the NFL in Germany, where an estimated 19 million fans reside, the NFL has decided to expand its presence in the country by adding the Germany Games to the International Series slate.

In addition, Partners ProSieben and DAZN have reported a yearly increase of over 20% in weekly viewership since 2017. Super Bowl LVs viewership marked another record high for the German audience, marking the 3rd consecutive year of record-breaking numbers. This trend is also reflected in the increasing participation in Fantasy Football and sales of NFL merchandise and Madden video games in Germany.

Conclusion
The NFL International Series has come a long way since its first game in 2007. The series has expanded from humble beginnings in London to include games in Mexico and Germany. The NFL's commitment to growing the game outside America is evident in the steady increase in the number of games played abroad each season. 

With the continued growth of the NFL International Series, fans worldwide can look forward to experiencing the thrill and excitement of America's favorite sport in their backyard. The National Football League is taking giant strides to make its mark in the global sports scene, and the future of the International Series looks bright.
 

 

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.

__________________________

0 points
 

Log in to comment and more!

Not a member yet? Join free.

If you have already commented on Cheesehead TV in the past, we've created an account for you. Just verify your email, set a password and you're golden.