NFL International Series: Five Years On

The IBTimes reviews the success of the NFL International Series and speaks to a leading podcast host about the potential of having a London team.

When it comes to sport, America simply does things bigger and better.

Engrossed in loud music, colour, fireworks, flags and the most beautiful cheerleaders you are ever likely to see, the whole event of the NFL game at Wembley, now having completed its fifth year, puts to shame our own FA Cup Final.

The irony is that even if any of the live music, dancing girls or even beer and hot dogs during a game were ever tried, it would be met with outrage from traditionalists that we Brits were losing a little bit more of our identity.

And yet there is nothing more patriotic than an NFL game. Players, fans, servicemen, politicians and the beloved cheerleaders, stand with their hands on hearts and sing the national anthems as if about to do battle to the last.

Even for the most unpatriotic Brit, it is hard to control those hairs standing on the back of your neck.

It is fair to say the international series has been a success. Every game, aside for last night's attribute to the fact the tickets went on sale only last month after the lock-out, has been a sell-out. Sky Sports, Channel 4 and ESPN schedule nearly 100 live games a season - something that would have been impossible a short while ago.

Downloads on NFL podcasts has gone through the roof in the UK, with the most popular of the lot "The NFL Rants and Raves" which hosts an annual party for its fans at the Sports Café near Piccadilly Circus.

Co-host Steven Miranda said: "Clearly the NFL is regaining its popularity in the UK and the fact that each year, the event gets bigger and bigger only proves it popularity."

There is much speculation that one day London will have its own team - the London "Monarchs" some people have said.

"It certainly is a possibility of having a team in London," says Miranda. "With creative scheduling, the travel would be a non-issue, and if the country were prepared to support a local team and come out on a weekly basis, I can see a team playing regularly in London."

Miranda, who went professional with the podcast this year with his friend and co-presenter, Jeff Ellis, says to Brits who want to learn the rules of the game: "Watch a game or two and ask questions. The sooner you understand the rules, the easier it is to follow a game and enjoy what is happening on the field."

And on the popularity of the podcast Miranda says: "There's no secret really, but I think our popularity comes from the fact that we do not talk to the listener, but instead engage the listener in what we are saying about the NFL. It's "edutainment" - we educate and entertain at the same time."

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