When it comes to football in England, the NFL is steadily gaining more popularity. British fans have been expressing their passion for the sport, but there is one burning question – Which team reigns supreme in terms of popularity?
While football clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal have a massive following, the popularity of NFL teams in England is a different ball game. With the increasing number of games being played in London every year, it’s time to dive into the topic and find out which NFL team holds the crown as the most popular in England. In this article, we will explore the factors contributing to a team’s popularity in England and reveal the top team that has captured the hearts of British football fans.
Here are The Most Popular NFL Team in England
1. Miami Dolphins, 27%
The Miami Dolphins are one of Britain’s most popular NFL teams, sitting atop the league’s rankings with an estimated 27% of all UK-based NFL fans supporting them. This is backed up by the amount of Facebook and Twitter attention they receive each week, with Britons eager to keep abreast of how their favorite team is fairing in the AFC East.
The Dolphins have a long history with London, first playing in the British capital in October 2007 against the New York Giants at Wembley Stadium. This was the first-ever regular season NFL game held outside of America, even if Miami did lose 13-10. Since then, they have featured four more times in London; in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2021 – proving just how much the British fanbase has embraced this particular franchise over others.
2. New England Patriots, 10%
The New England Patriots have been a powerhouse of the NFL for more than two decades, with six Super Bowl championships under their belt in that time. With such success on the field comes an impressive fanbase, and it’s no surprise that they rank second in terms of British support. 10% of all UK-based NFL fans are estimated to be New England Patriots supporters, which is a testament to their continued success and popularity even in overseas markets.
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3. Dallas Cowboys, 8%
The Dallas Cowboys may have been the most popular NFL team in the US for much of the past 20 years, but they rank third on our list with 8% of British fans supporting them. This franchise has been known for its big-name players such as Emmitt Smith and Dez Bryant, and their profile has been further boosted by the fact that they have played in London on three occasions (1993, 2014, and 2017).
4. Green Bay Packers, 7%
The Green Bay Packers come in fourth on our list with an estimated 7% of British fans backing them. This franchise is renowned for its diehard supporters, the so-called ‘Cheeseheads’, who have been known to travel worldwide to watch their team in action. The Packers have also played in London twice (2011 and 2019), further boosting their popularity among British fans.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers, 6%
Rounding off the top five most popular NFL teams in England is the Pittsburgh Steelers with an estimated 6 % of British fans supporting them. This team has a long and storied history in the NFL, winning six Super Bowls and being one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history. The Steelers have also played three times in London, further boosting their profile among British fans.
6. New York Giants, 18%
The New York Giants are one of the most recognizable teams in the NFL. They have been part of the league since its inception in 1920, and their games have captured audiences ever since. In 2007, the Giants made history by playing in London to help increase their popularity with the British people. The team beat the Miami Dolphins 13-10, cementing their popularity overseas. Moreover, many UK tourists visit New York, and it obviously helped introduce the sport of American football to new audiences.
7. Seattle Seahawks, 5%
The Seattle Seahawks have become one of the most popular teams in the NFL over the past decade and a half. Behind quarterback Russell Wilson, they have emerged as a formidable force in the league and their success has translated to increased support from UK-based fans. Five percent of all NFL fans in Britain are estimated to be backing the Seahawks, making them the seventh most popular team among British followers of American football.
8. Chicago Bears, 4%
The Chicago Bears have been a part of the NFL since its inception and are one of the most iconic teams in the league. With a long history of success on the field, they have earned a lot of respect from UK-based fans who are estimated to make up 4% of all NFL supporters in Britain. The Bears have appeared in London twice, in 2011 and 2017, further boosting their profile among UK fans.
9. Chicago Bears, 17%
From 1986 onwards, the Bears became a fully-fledged superpower, enough so that British viewers were tuning into American sports when they won Super Bowl XX. This sparked some interest from overseas and soon millions of British spectators had eyes for this new and exciting American sport. With nine NFL championships and numerous divisional records under their belt, not to mention becoming part of football history when they played at Wembley Stadium for the first time in 2011 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s easy to see why so many people are fans of this iconic Chicago franchise.
10. New England Patriots, 16%
The New England Patriots are one of the most decorated teams in NFL history and have been a force to be reckoned with since Tom Brady took the reigns as quarterback in 2001. With six Super Bowl titles and nine division championships, they have become a beloved team by sports fans worldwide, including those based in Britain. It’s estimated that 16% of all NFL fans in Britain are Patriots supporters, making them the tenth most popular NFL team in England.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the most popular NFL team in England?
The most popular NFL team in England is the London-based team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars have been committed to building a fan base in London since 2013 and have played regular-season games at Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
2. How did the Jacksonville Jaguars become the most popular team?
The Jaguars’ popularity in England can be attributed to their commitment to the international market and their efforts to engage with British fans. They have played multiple regular-season games in London, which has helped to grow their fan base and increase their visibility among football fans in England.
3. Are there any other NFL teams that are popular in England?
While the Jacksonville Jaguars are currently the most popular NFL team in England, other teams have a significant fan following. Teams like the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Atlanta Falcons have also played games in London and garnered football fans’ attention.
4. Will there be more NFL games in England in the future?
Yes, the NFL has shown a commitment to playing games in England and expanding its international market. The league has been hosting annual games in London since 2007 and has expressed its intention to continue scheduling games in England in the future.
5. Can I buy tickets to watch NFL games in England?
Yes, you can buy tickets to watch NFL games in England. The primary venues for NFL games in England are Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tickets for these games are usually available online through authorized ticket vendors or the official NFL website.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars currently hold the title of England’s most popular NFL team. However, other teams have a significant fan following in the country. The NFL has been hosting regular-season games in England since 2007 and shows no signs of stopping, with plans to expand into international markets. If you’re interested in attending an NFL game in England, you can purchase tickets online through authorized vendors or the official NFL website.
