NFL: London 'still well placed to win franchise'

London remains the most likely city outside of the United States to have its own NFL franchise, according to NFL Network’s Jeff Darlington.

Miami Dolphins beat the Oakland Raiders 38-14 at Wembley on Sunday evening, the first of three matches which the stadium will host this season.

The idea of a London-based franchise continues to be discussed and Darlington is in no doubt that the NFL wants a permanent presence in the capital.

Reporter and analyst Darlington told Sky Sports News HQ: “I certainly think that’s the goal. That’s Roger Goodell’s goal, the NFL Commissioner, to globalise this sport and I think this (London) is the market to start with.

“It’s become very clear he wants that to happen. Logistically there’s still so many challenges, (such as) the acquisition of free agents - whether you can convince a guy to take a contract overseas in London, the travel involved…”

Darlington attended the first NFL match at Wembley in 2007 and he was impressed with the level of knowledge displayed by fans on Sunday night.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, even before the game. I’ve been here all week and I was here in 2007 for the first game so it’s an interesting juxtaposition to compare. I sense that fans are much more educated about the game now. Not only are they interested in it, but they are aware of what’s going on.

Novelty

“I think that it is still a novelty but it’s more than just the hardcore fans who understand it. I was asked much more specific questions about the game. ‘Do you think Ryan Tannehill will wind up on the bench?’ ‘Do you think the Raiders have a chance or is their head coach going to be fired?’ As opposed to, ‘how does this game work’. Very different questions.”

Goodell was not in London on Sunday – instead he was in Texas visiting the National Domestic Violence Centre.  

Goodell has come under increasing pressure because of what was regarded in the United States as his poor handling of a number of high-profile cases involving NFL stars and domestic violence, in particular former Baltimore Ravens star Ray Rice.

Darlington says Goodell is trying his best to address the criticisms.

“I think they are trying. You’ve got a bunch of different layers to this situation. You’ve got a societal issue pertaining to domestic violence,” he said.

“Fans are stepping up and saying ‘we want this changed’. I think that’s what’s going to make the NFL change.

“NFL is incredibly big – I’m sure you have the same situation with the Premier League. It’s so big that athletes and coaches are put on a pedestal.

“But the public is stepping back and saying ‘we love this sport but we want those participating in it to be held to a high standard.”