This month, six NFL teams traveled across the Atlantic to play games in London, bringing American football to enthusiastic fans in the UK as part of the league’s growing International Series. While the experience was exhilarating for players and staff alike, the rigors of transatlantic travel and jet lag were palpable, leaving many players disoriented about even the most basic details, like what day it was. Despite these challenges, the players embraced the opportunity to compete on a global stage and connect with international fans, offering a glimpse into how the NFL is expanding its footprint beyond the United States.
The LA Rams’ visit to London exemplified the whirlwind nature of these international trips. On a Sunday evening at Wembley Stadium, quarterback Matthew Stafford was fielding questions from reporters in a makeshift press room — far from glamorous and plagued by unpleasant odors — when his teammate Davante Adams interrupted with an enthusiastic shout of “Whose house?” celebrating his three touchdown catches in their decisive win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adams, thrilled by his performance and the electric atmosphere, admitted he was unsure what day it was due to jet lag, highlighting the disorienting effects of travel. The Rams’ game kicked off at 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time back in Los Angeles, meaning many fans were just waking up and settling in with coffee as the team surged ahead in London.
The Rams had arrived in London just a day before the game and were scheduled to head back home only 36 hours after touchdown, underscoring the fleeting nature of these trips. They skipped most of the typical pre-game media obligations and open practices, barely unpacking their bags before hopping on the plane home. Stafford’s remarkable five-touchdown performance came despite the jet lag and short preparation time. When asked about how he managed it, he smiled and replied, “Ask me tomorrow,” acknowledging the challenge of adjusting to the time difference. Coach Sean McVay took a pragmatic approach, saying there was no point in wasting mental energy on the time zones and praising the behind-the-scenes staff for managing the complex logistics of a nine-day international trip. Despite the exhaustion, McVay maintained his trademark humor, joking with journalists even as his communications team looked ready to nod off.
The London International Series featured six teams in total: the LA Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets. None of the teams stayed long in London, reflecting the tight schedules and the difficulty of extended travel for a physically demanding sport like American football. The Jaguars and Vikings, for example, arrived on a Tuesday night and stayed for three days of training and preparation, while the Browns arrived on a Thursday, squeezing in a short Friday session to “get the blood flowing.” For many players, the International Series offers a rare introduction to global travel, unlike sports such as baseball, where frequent travel across time zones is routine. Adams described the jet lag as “weird” and “low energy,” noting how he struggled with disrupted sleep patterns but appreciated being able to say goodnight to his children despite the time difference.
Despite the challenges, most players relish the opportunity to play abroad. Vikings veteran AJ Thielen shared that before schedules are released, he looks out for potential international games on the calendar, hoping to be part of them. Having recently been traded, he was excited to get the chance to participate in two international games this year, contrasting with his previous team’s lack of such opportunities. This enthusiasm reflects the growing appeal of the NFL’s international expansion, both for players eager to experience new cultures and for the league’s strategic push to broaden its global reach.
When in London, teams typically follow a familiar routine, setting up base camps in picturesque, countryside hotels in Hertfordshire, a county north of London. This month, the Browns, Jets, and Jaguars took over The Grove, a luxury hotel near Watford, while the Vikings and Broncos stayed at Hanbury Manor near Ware. The hotels are transformed into football hubs, with conference rooms converted into practice facilities complete with meeting rooms, players’ lounges, plunge pools, weight rooms, and even custom pitches for training. The teams bring a large contingent of staff, so much so that some personnel have to be shuttled to nearby hotels to accommodate everyone. This comprehensive setup underscores the scale and professionalism of the NFL’s international operations.
Off the field, the atmosphere is serious and tightly controlled. Security is strict, with journalists needing to pass through airport-style checks just to move