NFL international series of games

[Drumlinboy]

I am writting this as botha log and a posting on the forum as I want to reach as many people as possible so appoligies if you end up reading this twice .
As some of you might be aware probibly the biggest thing for NFL fans in Britain this week was the fact that a BBC reporter managed to do a telephone interview with Chris Cooley. It is no understatement to say that Chris is fast becoming the most popular NFL player this side of the pond andthere was a glamour of fans from all teams over here for the BBC reporter to try to interview Chris.
The interview took place and I have prvious posted the links on the site. I know some of you have listened to it and enjoyed it. One of the questions that was put to Chris concerened the NFL game that is scheduled to be played in London, and as a follow up question Tim Love (the BBC reporter) asked if he would like to take part is such a game.
Chris I feel was very honest in his reply saying that he would like to do so but only if it was not a Redskin home game as he felt it was unfair to Redskin fans to give up a home game. But yes if it was an away game he would be all for it.
Now I know from the comments posted that some of you think this would be a great idea. Unfortuneately that appears not to be the case with the whole redskin fan base, and the following link http://www.extremeskins.com/showthread.php?t=263001  was started on extrem skins. I would guess from reading the replies that the Majority were not in favour of such a game.
So it got me thinking, how many here think that the NFL international series is worth continuing, and does it serve a purpose. So I would like to pose the following questions to you.
1.   Do you think NFL games should only be played within the boundaries of the USA?
2.   If the Redskins were to play in souch a game, would you consider traveling to see it?
3.   Is the NFL America’s game and as such, who cares about anyone else and keep for Americans?
Now I havesaid on the BBC i was going to post here becuase i believe teh fans here are not as polarized as the views on Extreme skins and would report back with the results.

[CSSkinsFan]

The National Football League (American Football) will never catch on in the United Kingdom.  There is one major reason for this:  The British love their soccer (football) way too much.  I've been to several soccer games in the U.K.  more specifically Tottenham v. Arsenal, and Rangers v. Celtic.  The passion that the British have for their version of the game is the same as we have for ours.  It can all be traced to how kids are taught from a young age.  Over here, it's the big 3: Football, Baseball, Basketball.  All other sports are a side note for the most part unless you're in an area where soccer is catching on, and it is slowly but surely. British children are taught soccer, rugby and to a lesser extent cricket, it is what it is.  Another reason is that they (British soccer fans) feel as though the Americans are "invading" their beautiful game is the American ownership of several major and internationally popular soccer teams, I am referring to the American ownership of Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa in the Premiere League and Derby County in the Championship Division.  There was major uproar among the season ticket holders and faithful when it was discovered that a Yank would own the team and as a result there has been backlash against most things American when it comes to sport.  Also, the game played in New Wembley last year between the Dolphins and Giants wasn't such a spectacular game to watch.  The field (pitch) is designed for the soccer game, not the American football game and as such was pretty much mulch after the 1st half.  Secondly, with the US economy being as it is now, and the British pound Sterling worth pretty much twice the dollar, it isn't economically feasible for the average American fan to pack up, hop on a plane and spend the weekend in London, Manchester, Glasgow or wherever the game is being played.   I think that until the US becomes better internationally in soccer, and/or the British (read English) continue to falter on the World Cup/European stage, the status quo will remain.  That being said, there are small pockets of fans of both within both countries.  Personally I enjoy watching soccer and am an ardent Tottenham Hostpur and Rangers FC (Glasgow) fan, and should either one of those teams play within a 3 state radius of me, I wouldn't be opposed to traveling to watch.  I'm sure the same could be said of the small pockets of American football fans in the U.K.   The NFL played several games outside the continental US last year and the year before and it drew pretty decent sized crowds.  There is talk of a Buffalo Bills game being played in Toronto due to the proximity of those cities.  Another reason is that the bulk of professional football players in the NFL are in fact American by birth, whereas the Premiership and Champions Divisions are a plethora of international footballers, therefore one can support his "countryman" in a sense.   It's good to see Coley doing so well in the U.K. and I like to think that there are many more Redskins fans in the U.K. other than Drumlin, I know of 2 others that I converted when they were over here visiting last summer.  It didn't take much, I showed them the website, the wife fell in love with Cooley immediately and the husband bought the Cheerleaders calendar on the spot.  That's my 2 cents for whatever it's worth.


Chris

[UK_Skinfan]

Hiya Chris

Im from England and Ive been a Redskins fan since the early 80's  In those days we had one highlights show showing the previous weeks NFL football highlights.  Not much there but it was a start. It was that whats sown the seed and started many a NFL fan off to a life of enjoyment. Since then American Football Teams started to form and leagues were set up across the UK

I support my local Team, (as well as the Redskins) which is about 30 miles away from me, the Yorkshire Rams.  I wear my Washington Redskins Jersey with pride!!  Ive been to Wembley to see two games, Miami Dolphins v New York Giants in October 07 and The New Orleons Saints v the Sandiago Chargers in October08 

The field did cut up badly for the Dolphins v Giants game but that was down to the weather we had before and during the game! Rain rain and more rain.....

You are right that the Gridiron fans in the UK are passionate but our numbers have risen over the years and will do so year after year imo Take a look at www.nfluk.com you will see our passion and knowledge for the NFL and all things Gridiron.   

I for one LOVE Gridiron and cant get enough of it!!!

Co existance of Gridiron and Soccer does exist and theres no reason why anyone can be a fan of both. 

We now have TV coverage of the NFL which consists of 3 live games on a Sunday and a choice of two others via interactive button on remote plus all Monday night, Thanks Givving, and playoffs Games.  Quite indepth coverage and with the addition of NFL Total access  theres more shows dedicated to the NFL available 

The thought of, American Football, as you call it catching on in the UK is optamistic but  "the longest of jerneys start with a single step"  so you never know in years to come what may happen?  One thing for sure it wont happen over night. 

Never say Never though 

I hope you feel some of the passion Ive got for the Game of Gridiron in my writing and believe me there are thousands just as passionate as me here in the UK.

Life for a NFL Fan in England is only getting better.  HTTR