NFL in the UK: Life as a Football Fan

Interest in the NFL in the UK has grown significantly over the last decade, particularly over the last few years. The London Games have given fans of the NFL in the UK the opportunity to see some of their favourite NFL stars in a closer proximity than ever before.

However, attending a live NFL game is not of paramount importance to become an NFL fan in Britain.

In one of my first articles for Sports Hub, I will delve into the ins and outs of what it is like to be a fan of the NFL in the UK. From extremely late nights, adjusting my sleeping schedule, to making connections with people across the world. The drama and adrenaline-filled nature of football is infectious. So, let’s jump into it! 

The British Attraction to Football – NFL in the UK

With so many fantastic sports on offer in the UK, why should Brits get into the NFL? My name is Ashlee Kiddell and I am a new writer with SportsHub.com. I am from the UK. Hopefully I can both educate and entertain you throughout the football season.

Well, for the exact reason why you love sports in the first place! It’s the drama, storylines, adrenaline, extreme competitiveness and being able to witness elite athletes going toe-to-toe. There’s so many different facets of the game that you can explore. 

I like to think that it should come naturally when finding your favourite team. And that’s exactly what happened for me en route to becoming an Arizona Cardinals fan. Yes, I know we’ve never won a Super Bowl. But the moment I had to become a Cards fan was the Hail Murray.

How I Became an NFL Fan

My first ever fantasy football team rostered Kyler Murray and I was cheering him on as a result. 

I was not, however, prepared for what would come next.

With Kyler evading the Bills’ pass-rush, he chucked it up from the 50-yard line with just six seconds left on the clock, four points down to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Surrounded by three Bills defenders, DeAndre Hopkins did the unthinkable and managed to catch the ball and secure a crazy victory for the Arizona Cardinals.

It was a moment that encapsulated everything that is great about football. A game going down to the wire, a win against the odds and some unbelievable skill and athleticism to make it all happen. It epitomized everything I love about football and I will always remember it. 

NFL in the UK: Late Nights

One of the main talking points about the NFL in the UK is the late nights. Of course, the time differences play a big part in viewing live games. Fortunately, the bulk of NFL action can be viewed at a reasonable time for fans in Britain.

With NFL RedZone usually kicking off at 6pm UK time, Sunday nights are a football fan’s dream. As Scott Hanson says: “Seven hours of commercial free football” – what more could you want? 

With RedZone taking you all the way through to Sunday Night Football, the drama never stops. NFL Sundays are the highlight of my week during the football season because of the non-stop content. If you’re an adrenaline junkie like me, you NEED to get into football. 

SNF will usually begin at 01:20 am in the UK. I know, it’s late. Fortunately, due to the luxury of my job as a sports writer, I am able to jump on the US time zone for the football season.

However, for most here in Britain, they will be lucky to make it all the way through RedZone. For a big game, there are plenty of fans of the NFL in the UK who are willing to sacrifice some important shut-eye. Even if that means they are willing to take the risk of getting in trouble with the boss at work! 

Community & the NFL in the UK

The NFL community is certainly a welcoming one. NFL in the UK is actually loved by many and it’s easy to find fans all over the country who share the same love for football. Speaking to a close friend, who was a catalyst in my journey to becoming an avid NFL fan, he believes that the NFL community is extremely welcoming. 

It’s those experiences that make being a fan so great. I am yet to attend an NFL London game. The demand for tickets is through the roof! However, speaking to those who have attended, the love shown across the NFL community is one that helps draw you in.

Atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the years has been electric for the NFL in the UK. With plenty of media coverage, activities to participate in and such a friendly community. Anybody is welcome to become an NFL fan. 

The fantasy football community is a great tool in immersing yourself within the sport too. You can join UK-only leagues, as well as leagues that contain fans from across the globe. Not only does it help you learn more about the game – its rules and players, but you can share your thoughts and opinions with those in your leagues. Those connections are vital in growing your passion for the game.

NFL in the UK & the TV Coverage 

Having easy access to coverage of NFL in the UK is, of course, extremely important. Football is not usually the main topic of conversation in the UK. Therefore, it can be easy to miss a lot of what’s going on in the NFL, especially when you don’t have much scope to attend live matches year round.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of services and ways of being able to enjoy wonderful coverage from the league. NFL Game Pass, which has now moved over to DAZN, is a wonderful tool which allows fans across the globe to enjoy a host of different content.

Having often fallen asleep in the early hours of the morning, myself and many others around the globe, not just in the UK, can go back the next day and catch the rest of the game. Alternatively, you can go back and watch any game in the NFL. Whatever your highlight preference, it makes sure you never miss out on the action.

The NFL Welcomes New Fans With Open Arms

When talking to other NFL UK fans, they believe that the US media are extremely welcoming and appreciative of the love that the NFL receives around the world.

At times, fans can be a little indifferent towards those who are new to the sport. However, the NFL really does feel welcome and open to all to enjoy. No matter what your level of experience and knowledge is. 

To conclude, that is what is so great to be a fan of the NFL in the UK. The sport in itself is a wonderful spectacle of theatre and drama with non-stop action. But it’s the love and open-armed nature of the community that makes you feel so welcomed to fully immerse yourself within the sport.

Roll on the 2023 season and for the many beautiful years to come. Maybe the Cards will get a ring one day!