The Unexpected Spectacles of NFL London Games
NFL games played in London have become a regular fixture on the league’s calendar, but they’re often accompanied by moments that go beyond the gridiron. These international contests frequently deliver unexpected and memorable scenes, blending American football with British culture - and sometimes, sheer accidental comedy.
The atmosphere at these games is often electric, drawing in celebrity fans and creating unique fan experiences. During a 2022 game between the New york Giants and the Green Bay Packers, actor Kit Harington, known for his role as Jon Snow in “Game of Thrones,” enthusiastically cheered on the Giants, even leading a chant of “the King of the North!” as the team dominated the second half, ultimately achieving a shutout victory.
Though, the excitement isn’t always contained to celebratory cheers. A especially viral moment from a London game involved New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes. Suffering a thigh cramp late in a game, Holmes briefly exposed himself while a trainer attempted to alleviate the issue. A fan captured the moment, leading to a humorous misunderstanding online, which Holmes quickly capitalized on by turning the video into a Non-Fungible Token (NFT).
Beyond on-field incidents, players have embraced the local culture. In 2012, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrated a touchdown by mimicking a Buckingham Palace guard, playfully referring to the iconic figure as ”that little nutcracker dude that’s guarding the house.”
Even coaches aren’t immune to the unique pressures of a London game. New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton experienced an embarrassing, yet humorous, gaffe during the 2017 game against the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium. The incident stemmed from a connection Payton had made with musician Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish. After meeting at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival, Rucker requested to sing the national anthem at the London game, a request payton facilitated through NFL connections.
The anthem took place against a backdrop of national conversation. Just nine days prior, President trump had publicly criticized NFL players for kneeling during the anthem in protest of social injustice and police brutality. The Saints had collectively decided to kneel before the anthem and than stand for the song itself. Payton, relieved after the anthem concluded, eagerly went to greet Rucker on the Dolphins’ sideline, only to be interrupted by the start of “God Save The Queen.” He found himself awkwardly standing on the field, caught off guard, as the crowd sang the British national anthem, much to the amusement of rucker. Despite the pre-game mishap, the Saints won the game 20-0.
Years later, Payton still recalls the incident with embarrassment, stating that the memory of feeling “stupid” is what he remembers most about going to london. These moments demonstrate that when NFL teams cross the Atlantic, they can expect more than just a football game - they can expect a spectacle.
