When the Detroit Lions announced they’ll be playing in Germany this season, there were plenty of fans excited, but others not so much.
Here are some word-for-word responses to a Facebook post I made about the announcement:
“Play in the USA.”
“It’s called the National football league. Not worldwide. More money grabbing for the no fun league.
“Season ticket holders get jacked. Same price – less games. Not to mention all the lost revenue for Detroit. This only benefits the franchise owners.”
NFL Commissioner
Roger Goodell understands these complaints, but said since they began hosting international games, sentiments have changed quite a bit.
“Initial reaction when we started this series was the fans looked at this as — you’re taking a game away from our fans here … I think it’s changed a lot. I think there’s a pride factor that you’re playing on the international stage, that you’re representing your community,” he said on the St. Brown Podcast this week.
Goodell said there’s also another factor at play — international relations.
“It actually is a diplomatic tool in some ways because it gives people a chance to understand about one another’s culture … and how we can work together in a positive way,” he said.
The NFL commissioner said the league is playing nine international games this season, but he hopes to get to 16. He also said there’s a possibility of one day having an NFL team or two outside U.S.
“I say that because of the fans’ reactions and the partners’ reactions, but there’s still a lot to determine in that case,” he said, especially when it comes to scheduling.
While fanbases are large in international cities close to the U.S., like Mexico City and Toronto, and that may be an easier option at first, Goodell said England and Germany could be options, especially as they evaluate stadium sizes.
“Could you put two teams in each of those markets? I think you probably could. So you could have a four-team division, but there may be other markets you want to go to. So I think we just have a lot to learn and to build on, but I do think that day will come,” he said.
You can watch the full interview below.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- Aidan Hutchinson joined NFL analyst Kevin Clark to discuss what it’s like to line up across from Penei Sewell:
- We’ve heard from Amon-Ra St. Brown on the Lions playing in Germany, but the Lions also posted reactions from Jared Goff and Aidan Hutchinson.
- After you’re done consuming our fabulous combine coverage, here’s a bit more from Detroitlions.com’s Tim Twentyman:
- “(Drew) Petzing talks fast. It’s one of the first things you notice. Appropriately, less than a minute into the opening remarks he used the word ‘excited’ seven times.” Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers offers his perspective and first impressions from the new offensive coordinator’s inaugural media session.
- Happy Pokémon day for all who observe. I myself am just past Cinnabar Island on Fire Red trying to use Pokémon I never normally pick: Clefable, Nidoking, etc.
