The NFL has been taking more games overseas in recent years and this season the league is going even bigger with a record seven matchups outside the United States. What sets this year apart is that games are scheduled in five different countries Brazil, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain.
For anyone who loves travel that sounds amazing but the reality for players and coaches is very different. A coach from the Los Angeles Chargers admitted he wasn’t excited about flying to São Paulo for their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this month. The journey was long and tiring and once they arrived there was almost no time to see the city. When asked about sightseeing he shook his head and said we’re there for business.
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a similar situation. ESPN reported that Aaron Rodgers and the team arrived in Dublin around 8 a.m. local time on Friday before their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Rodgers mentioned he would have liked to get there earlier in the week. He said maybe they could arrive on Monday, take Tuesday off and have a chance to explore but there was little opportunity to do so. He added that Ireland looked beautiful in photos but time to see it in person was limited. See vdeo embedded above.
According to ESPN, Steelers owner Art Rooney II explained that the schedule was a “football decision” made with the league. The team practiced in Pittsburgh until Thursday then flew overnight to Ireland, staying in a self-contained hotel about an hour from Dublin. The plan allowed only a few hours Saturday afternoon to visit the city.
Rodgers shared a personal connection noting his family has roots in Ireland and Scotland. He also expressed excitement about trying Guinness in Dublin, saying he heard it tastes different fresh from the tap than in the United States. The team had a dinner at the Gravity Bar on top of the Guinness Storehouse which offered 360-degree views of the city.
From a travel perspective this seems like a lost opportunity. Crossing an ocean to a country rich in history and culture but spending most of the trip inside a hotel or on the practice field is disappointing. For fans, part of the fun of sports abroad is enjoying local food sights and traditions. The NFL is doing a great job bringing games to new places but hopefully in the future players and coaches will have more chances to experience the destinations.
I have seen how much energy international games can generate. In London I have seen NFL events and the excitement in the city was contagious. Fans wore jerseys from nearly every team creating a colorful atmosphere unlike back home.
I also watched the Los Angeles Dodgers play the first official Major League Baseball game in Australia against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Sydney. It was a remarkable experience and now the NFL is bringing similar excitement Down Under. Next year the Los Angeles Rams will play the first NFL game in Melbourne. The opponent has not been announced yet but I hope to attend in my favorite team’s jersey.
