Draft Position Showdown
Hey, sports fans! This Sunday, Munich will be buzzing as the NFL brings its unique brand of gridiron to Germany. However, let’s not sugarcoat it—what we’re about to witness is more of a contest for the draft order than a genuine NFL showdown. Buckle up for the Carolina Panthers (who sport a charming 2-7 record) going head-to-head with the New York Giants (who are also sitting at 2-7). Cheers to the ultimate battle of ineptitude!
You may be wondering why the NFL, a league that talks big about growing its audience in Europe, keeps serving up these not-so-exciting matchups. Since jumping into the European scene in October 2007, there have been a total of 42 NFL games played. Amazingly, only twice have those games featured teams with winning records. Can you imagine?
Last year, the Giants and Packers faced off in one of those rare matchups, and before that, there was the Chiefs against the Dolphins. But let’s be real—of the current batch of games, we’re often treated to the likes of the 2017 Cleveland Browns, who wound up in London on their road to becoming the second 0-16 team in NFL history. Oh, and don’t forget about the famously vexing Urban Meyer-coached Jaguars and the Dolphins with a staggering 15 losses!
It feels a bit like showing up to a fancy restaurant and being handed a can of SpaghettiOs. The league has had its fair share of blunders when it comes to these European games. The matchup this Sunday is a stark reminder of that. Both the Panthers and the Giants are sitting pretty among the teams that could potentially snag the first draft pick next year. For them, this isn’t about playoff glory; it’s about snagging a shot at a promising quarterback or maybe just someone who can help turn things around.
So, if you think the on-field action is rough, wait until halftime when Machine Gun Kelly takes the stage! That’s right, folks—nothing says American football like a pop star’s performance that’s bound to rattle some cages. You have to wonder if that kind of entertainment is more a punishment than a treat for the German crowd.
What’s crazier is how the league has chosen teams to showcase across the pond. The Jaguars, of all franchises, have been dubbed “London’s team,” and they’ve managed to fit in two home games annually over the last few seasons. With only two playoff appearances in the last 16 seasons, that feels like a bad joke on the fans there. It makes you think—why hasn’t the NFL bothered to send better talent overseas?
Maybe because they don’t really need to? Attendance has been solid, with many fans curious to see live American football, paired with those who are just nostalgic for a slice of home. And as a result, ticket sales have been through the roof! 80,000+ fans often show up, many in jerseys not just supporting their favorite teams but others in the league as well.
For those who love the NFL, there’s a silver lining! Despite the lackluster matchups, the passion for American football is steadily growing in Europe. Not to mention that TV viewership has seen a boost, reflecting a small army of dedicated fans who tune in. The Super Bowl last season even smashed the single-game viewing record in the UK!
It’s no surprise that European soccer teams have actively pursued American fans over the years, staging exhibition matches and attracting huge crowds. So why is the NFL taking a different route? Maybe they’re holding back on sending their biggest stars and top-tier teams, even as they explore the idea of taking their games to Africa, Asia, and Australia in the future. Just a heads-up to those communities—you might not get the best games either!
As we gear up for this weekend, one thing is for sure: Munich will have quite the tale to tell! Whether the audience looks back with laughter or disappointment, here’s hoping the league steps up its game and brings us something a little more exciting next time. If you’re watching, may the best team lose—so we can all get a better draft pick!
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