By KALLUM KHOSLA
The NFL is making waves across the pond. Games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are drawing huge crowds, and more Brits are tuning in than ever before. At the heart of this growth is the NFL Academy, where young UK athletes are getting their first taste of American football.
During an open training session at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Devon Myrie shared his story of being scouted for the NFL Academy. His journey began unexpectedly while walking home from a school track meet. With two friends already involved in the academy, Myrie was encouraged to attend his first training session despite knowing little about the sport.
“I had no idea what I was doing. I was just standing there. I didn’t even know any positions; I was just there,” Myrie recounted. Like many in the UK, his initial exposure to the NFL came through online videos. “I watched a lot of YouTube videos trying to learn,” he said, eventually grasping the rules after a few training sessions.
Myrie’s natural athleticism quickly shone through. In his first season, he went unbeaten and secured the National Championship in flag football. His talents led him to represent Team GB in Austria, Italy, and Norway. “Team GB was such a fun experience; it was like a small family. Even when we lost, everyone had fun,” Myrie noted.
Many Brits are just now discovering the NFL. But the numbers show it’s catching on fast. NFL UK reports that TV viewership has jumped by over 60% since 2019. Last season, an average of 1.3 million Brits watched each week – a new record.
The NFL has been proactive in nurturing a fanbase in the UK, hosting numerous events, including fan parks at Battersea Power Station to preview upcoming London fixtures. These initiatives have played a crucial role in increasing the sport’s popularity in a country where American football was previously underappreciated.
Myrie, who has a background in football, basketball, and athletics, praises American football as “the most entertaining sport.” He highlights the diversity of athletes in the NFL, saying, “There is every type of athlete you can imagine, ranging from 5ft 5in to 7ft, 200 to 300lbs.” This versatility, according to Myrie, adds a unique excitement to the sport that sets it apart from others.
The NFL’s efforts are reflected in the numbers. Some 2022 NFL London games attracted around 85,000 spectators per game. Additionally, viewership for NFL broadcasts in the UK has seen a 32% increase over the past five years.
With three NFL games scheduled to be played in London between September and October, the league is poised to further solidify its presence. These games provide an opportunity for British fans to experience the intensity and excitement of American football firsthand, potentially joining Myrie and many others in their growing passion for the NFL.
