NFL London

 

Here’s a full look at the history of the NFL London Games, how they began, and how they’ve evolved into a regular feature of the league calendar:

 

🌍 Origins

  • The NFL’s international ambitions began with the American Bowl (1986–2005), a series of preseason games played overseas (London, Tokyo, Berlin, etc.).

  • These were mostly exhibitions, but they showed the NFL could draw large crowds abroad.

  • To expand globally, the NFL launched the International Series in 2007, featuring the first regular-season game in London.

🏟️ First Regular-Season London Game (2007)

  • Date: October 28, 2007

  • Matchup: New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium

  • Result: Giants 13, Dolphins 10

  • Significance: First-ever NFL regular-season game played outside North America. The Giants went on to win the Super Bowl that season.

🏟️ Venues in London

  1. Wembley Stadium – Hosted most games from 2007 onward, capacity ~86,000.

  2. Twickenham Stadium – Home of English rugby, hosted 3 NFL games (2016–2017).

  3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – Opened in 2019, designed with a retractable NFL field, purpose-built for American football. Capacity ~62,000.

📈 Growth of the Series

  • 2007–2012: One game per season, all at Wembley.

  • 2013–2016: Expanded to two or three games per season, showcasing multiple franchises.

  • 2017: Four games, split between Wembley and Twickenham.

  • 2019: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium joins the rotation.

  • 2020: No international games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • 2021–Present: Return of London games, with two to three each year, plus games in Mexico and Germany as part of a broader International Series.

🏆 Notable London Games

  • 2014 (Lions vs. Falcons): Detroit overcame a 21–0 deficit to win 22–21, one of the biggest comebacks in London history.

  • 2016 (Washington vs. Bengals): Ended in a 27–27 tie, the first tie in International Series history.

  • 2019 (Panthers vs. Buccaneers): First NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

  • 2022 (Packers vs. Giants): Green Bay became the 32nd and final team to play in London.

📊 Impact

  • Over 30 teams have now played in London (all except Jacksonville until 2013, but now they’re the most frequent visitors).

  • The Jacksonville Jaguars have essentially become London’s “home team,” playing there every year since 2013.

  • Attendance is consistently high, averaging 80,000+ at Wembley and 60,000+ at Tottenham.

  • The games helped set up NFL expansion into Germany (Munich & Frankfurt) and possibly Spain & Brazil in the future.

🔮 Future Outlook

  • The NFL’s current plan (2022–2030) guarantees at least four international games per season, rotating between London, Germany, and Mexico.

  • London remains the centrepiece, with Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under a long-term exclusive NFL deal.

  • Talk continues about the possibility of a permanent London franchise, though logistics (travel, scheduling, player relocation) remain obstacles.

✅ Quick Stats:

  • First game: 2007, Giants 13–10 Dolphins

  • Most games played in London: Jacksonville Jaguars (over 10 appearances)

  • Venues used: Wembley, Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

  • Biggest attendance: 86,215 (2014, Lions vs. Falcons at Wembley)

 

NFL London 2025 Hospitality Packages are now on sale …