Football–whether you mean the round-ball variety that rules the UK or the oval-ball spectacle that Americans enjoy–has always been the most popular game in the world, and more than that. For fans, it’s a way of life. The roar at Anfield after a last-minute winner isn’t so different from the deafening cheers at Lambeau Field after a game-winning touchdown.
The NFL’s expansion into the UK market has brought American football to iconic venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. London has hosted regular-season NFL games for years, and each matchup attracts not only expats and die-hard NFL fans but also curious UK football supporters eager to experience a new game-day atmosphere.
From Anfield to Arrowhead
One of the strongest links between UK football and the NFL is the shared love for competition and rivalries, not to mention betting. You can take a look at football or NFL Picks and place a bet at many sportsbooks. The main thing about these picks is that computers predict them using AI technology. AI runs thousands of simulations to see how the game might go. You can choose your picks and make an educated bet with AI’s knowledge.
Imagine Liverpool vs. Manchester United–a game that divides families and unites cities. Compare that to the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, a fixture with over a century of history. Both sports have legendary rivalries, and they enjoy them.
There’s also a cultural exchange taking place. Tailgating, a beloved NFL tradition, has piqued the interest of UK fans attending NFL games. Similarly, the idea of football chants—an Anfield staple—is trickling into American stadiums. It’s common to hear NFL fans try their hand at creating their chants, albeit with a bit less finesse than the Kop faithful.
Liverpool’s Contract Drama
Switching focus back to UK football, Liverpool finds itself in a situation that feels familiar to NFL fans: a contract impasse with one of its stars. Virgil van Dijk, the Reds’ captain and defensive linchpin, has reportedly received an offer to extend his contract. However, the opening proposal is said to fall short of his expectations.
If this sounds familiar to NFL fans, it’s because contract holdouts and negotiations are a staple of American football off-seasons. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson went through a similar standoff before securing a long-term deal. NFL teams, like Liverpool’s ownership group Fenway Sports Group, often hesitate to commit large sums to aging stars despite their contributions on the field.
For Liverpool, the stakes are high. Van Dijk’s leadership and on-field presence have been vital to the club’s recent successes. But with the defender over 30, Fenway Sports Group’s policy of cautious spending comes into play. The situation becomes even more complicated when factoring in Mo Salah, whose contract discussions are looming. Liverpool must decide: stick to their financial principles or make an exception for their stars?
Smith Rowe Faces Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe’s upcoming match against Arsenal, the club where he grew up, is a perfect example. The 24-year-old midfielder joined Fulham this summer and is preparing to face his former team for the first time.
“It’s a bit weird,” Smith Rowe admitted in a recent interview. “I’ve known those players for so long, and Arsenal has been a huge part of my life. But now I’ve got a job to do for Fulham.”
The emotional weight of facing a former club mirrors the NFL’s frequent storylines of players returning to play against teams they once called home. Because of the emotional stakes, Tom Brady’s return to New England as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer was one of the most-watched games in NFL history. Smith Rowe may not draw Brady-level attention, but this matchup is personal for Fulham and Arsenal fans.
Managers in the Hot Seat
Like their NFL coaching counterparts, football managers live and die by their results. West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui is the latest Premier League boss feeling the heat. His side’s poor start to the season has led to calls for his dismissal, with the team’s upcoming clash against Wolves being labelled a “must-win.”
The parallels to NFL coaching are uncanny. Just as Lopetegui’s fate hangs by a thread, so too do NFL coaches often find themselves one bad game away from the chopping block. This high-pressure environment is a defining feature of both sports.
Max Kilman, one of Lopetegui’s key players, recently admitted that the pressure extends beyond the manager. “We’re all under pressure,” he said. “This is West Ham, and we need to deliver. It’s not just about the boss—it’s about all of us.”
In both the Premier League and NFL, players and coaches know that their performances are scrutinized by fans, media, and ownership alike.
The Premier League’s Global Reach
One reason UK football has been able to connect with NFL fans is the Premier League’s global appeal. The league’s matches are broadcast in over 200 countries, and its stars, like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, are household names worldwide.
This global reach has made it easier for UK football to serve as a gateway for NFL fans unfamiliar with the beautiful game. Likewise, the NFL’s expansion into international markets—mainly the UK—has introduced American football to new audiences. Tottenham
