American Football in Germany: The NFL rocks Munich

American Football in Germany: The NFL rocks Munich
<img loading="lazy" class="internal-image" title="Chuba Hubbard of the Carolina Panthers prepares for the NFL game against the New York Giants in Munich. He is holding an American football in his hand and laughing.” alt=”Chuba Hubbard of the Carolina Panthers prepares for the NFL game against the New York Giants in Munich. He is holding an American football in his hand and laughing.” src=”https://bilder.deutschlandfunk.de/69/ff/93/25/69ff9325-7c98-4b09-9eb8-6db5cfdc5acf/chuba-hubbard-nfl-muechen-100-1920×1080.jpg” srcset=”https://bilder.deutschlandfunk.de/69/ff/93/25/69ff9325-7c98-4b09-9eb8-6db5cfdc5acf/chuba-hubbard-nfl-muechen-100-768×432.jpg 768w, https://bilder.deutschlandfunk.de/69/ff/93/25/69ff9325-7c98-4b09-9eb8-6db5cfdc5acf/chuba-hubbard-nfl-muechen-100-1280×720.jpg 1280w, https://bilder.deutschlandfunk.de/69/ff/93/25/69ff9325-7c98-4b09-9eb8-6db5cfdc5acf/chuba-hubbard-nfl-muechen-100-1920×1080.jpg 1920w”/>

Chuba Hubbard from the Carolina Panthers has fun in Munich (IMAGO / Eibner / IMAGO / Eibner press photo / Jenni Maul)

There’s another big American football party in Munich – not for the first time. Football fans in Germany have been treated to NFL superstars over the past two years. In 2022, Super Bowl record champion Tom Brady came to Munich with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; last fall, exceptional quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift friend Travis Kelce with Kansas City were guests in Frankfurt, among others.

NFL hype is growing in Germany

The big stars are missing this time. The Carolina Panthers will meet the New York Giants on the pitch on Sunday – they are far away from the top in terms of sport. But: “The hype has not subsided in Germany when it comes to the NFL,” says Michael Schwarzer from the American Football Association of Germany (AFVD). It feels like it’s getting even bigger.

NFL brings football into German living rooms

Schwarzer sees a real gain in the NFL games taking place in Germany. With these guest appearances we manage to “get this sport into living rooms in Germany”. Schwarzer emphasizes the enormous reach of the National Football League. It connects young and old people and brings them into contact with sport. The aim is for them to stay in the clubs, be it as a fan, as a member or as a player. “That’s the effect we’re feeling,” he says.

Positive influence on the German Football League

According to the AFVD managing director, interest in American football has increased significantly in recent years. German football is still struggling with problems, the German Football League (GFL) often has to deal with economic difficulties for its clubs – and with the commercial European League of Football. But the NFL has a positive influence.

“We notice that all the activities that are done through the NFL in Germany ensure that people come to the clubs. Be it the twelve-year-old boy who wants to play football to the fan who simply says, I “I’m going to watch a GFL game this weekend because the NFL isn’t playing right now,” emphasizes Schwarzer.

AFVD managing director sees development potential

However, Schwarzer also knows that American football could be much further along in Germany. The Corona years have affected and slowed down sport in this country. But: “We all survived the dip, and that’s also the feedback from the sport. And we have potential for development.”

But in addition to the professionalization of the teams, this also requires TV time for the Bundesliga and reach on social media channels. The official knows that too. “We are trying to move forward with small steps. And we are now succeeding very well,” says AFVD managing director Michael Schwarzer.

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *