For the third time in 4 years, the Indianapolis Colts will journey a great distance from Lucas Oil Stadium as they are slated to face off in opposition to the Washington Commanders in London for his or her Week 4 matchup on October 4th. It took them ten weeks earlier than touring to Berlin, Germany final yr, so this contest will carry a a lot earlier bye. The course of shouldn’t be new at this level as lots of the gamers and coaches have been a part of these worldwide video games. The Colts’ most important fear must be popping out of the bye higher this yr than final.
The NFL is rising the recreation. With the FIFA World Cup heading to North America, the overwhelming majority of the world associates what we name soccer as the one true fútbol, to borrow from Spanish. American soccer is a United States’ factor. Yes, Canada has a league, however the Super Bowl isn’t transferring to Vancouver anytime quickly. Roger Goodell is in search of to enhance the league’s attraction. With 9 worldwide video games throughout the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, France, and even Australia, the aim of trying past the borders of the U.S. is abundantly clear.
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Recently, the Colts have been at the middle of that push. Are they at the similar degree as the Jaguars who basically have a second residence in London? Of course not, however they are becoming worldwide. Traveling to Berlin to look at the recreation was proof of that to me. There was an abundance of Colts followers roaming the streets. Obviously, stadiums have an array of random groups and jerseys, however a continued presence helps construct familiarity. The Colts and their gamers may not be family names, however the staff itself is becoming higher acknowledged all through Europe.
If you will have the privilege and alternative to journey to London for this yr’s recreation, I extremely encourage you to go. Traveling to Berlin, whereas not an on a regular basis occasion, was really particular. The metropolis itself had a lot to supply and attending to be a part of the European sports activities scene was eye-opening. From the power, to the chants, to the singing of “Take Me Home Country Roads”, it felt like a model new expertise. The Colts proceed to gather these experiences. Hopefully, they discovered beneficial classes from final yr and might use it to propel them to larger issues in 2026.