🏈 Why American Football Doesn't Quite Suck in the UK - Ninh explains ...

Ninh explains ‘Why American Football doesn't quite suck in the UK’
Unlike the other videos of ice hockey, Baseball and basketball, American Football doesn’t quite suck here in the UK. The progress of the sport especially over the last 10 years has been good, especially driven by the NFL.
It’s a common misconception that British Football fans actually don’t care about the NFL - that it’s a fad or a gimmick or novelty. However, is this actually true? With the recent news that the NFL is hosting four games a year, this has changed the landscape of the National Football League.
Like the video and start the discussion below.
COMMENT, LIKE, RATE & SUBSCRIBE!!!
Also discuss on Reddit!
Video: Copyright Ninh Ly, NFL, Sky Sports, BAFA, BAFL, Channel 4, BBC, Hertfordshire Cheetahs
Images: Google (Various)
Music: ‘Epic Cinematic Trailer’ & ‘Be Epical’ by AudioJungle
Narrated, Directed and Produced by Ninh Ly
Ninh Ly Website - www.ninh.co.uk
Find me on Facebook - / ninh.ly.31
Follow me on Twitter - / ninhlyuk
Google+ - plus.google.com/+NinhLyUK
Instagram - / ninhlyuk
LinkedIn - / ninh-ly-0623218b
#americanfootball #nfl #london #england #unitedkingdom #ninhlyuk #ninhexplains #football

[@NinhLyUK]

FOOTNOTES: - Given that American Football has only had a decent BAFA structure for the last 10 years, they’ve managed to grow leagues, cultivate players and garner interest in the sport. With the help of the NFL - this is pretty good progress in under a decade. - Okay, so they’re not going to be beating the Americans, or Canadians anytime soon, but the fact that they’re at least competitive in a short period of time is nothing short of amazing. - Obviously, like all sports - there needs to be kids playing it and it’s currently not on the national curriculum. Will that change in the future? I guess we’ll have to see? - 4 dislikes in under 30 minutes on a video where I didn't really say anything bad about anything. People subscribing just to leave dislikes. Pretty sad. - Let me know what you think in the comment section below!

[@bernardbercik8729]

Ninh can u make a video on rounder s, aka Irish baseball

[@NinhLyUK]

I'll consider it, but there's no real footage to be found.

[@epicrandomperson1998]

I don't think we'll ever see it properly in state schools. Schools in the UK don't tend to have lots of spare cash lying around, and American Football is an expensive sport in terms of equipment. It only really makes sense to implement it if its in maybe the top 2 most popular team sports in the country. Its the same reason why we don't see state schools offering Golf, Equestrian sports or Ice Hockey. They're just too expensive to play.

[@NinhLyUK]

@@epicrandomperson1998 I think with demand comes supply. If this became a really REALLY popular thing amongst kids, it'd force the DCMS to consider subsidising equipment to schools. It's a longshot and it's unlikely. But I've seen funnier things.

[@urdad4839]

Can you make a video on spikeball please(love your content by the way,congratulations on 1 mil subs)

[@joe972]

You should do this series for the United States so for example (rugby, cricket,Football?,etc.)

[@NinhLyUK]

I'll consider it.

[@samsapp598]

I second this

[@thatdudejonathan4854]

This is a great idea! Might be worth looking into some of the Canadian ones as well. We have some cricket, gaelic football, and Australian rules football leagues over here as well that would be worth looking into

[@joe972]

N l2 research? Most of the sports he covers aren’t played in the United Kingdom

[@saxonjf]

America has a highly organized and structured Soccer system, with multiple levels, but the quality is not good. It's getting better, but it may well take another full generation before the US is a consistent World Class nation. A for Rugby and Cricket, they barely register. Sometimes rugby is an intramural sport at the secondary or college level, but cricket is less than that. I've never seen it outside of expatriate Pakistanis and Indians playing for fun. As far as Americans go, cricket is a chirping insect and nothing more.

[@adriancamacho4766]

Ninh Explains: Why my dad hasn't came back for milk after 10 years.

[@NinhLyUK]

Probably got an early case of the 'rona. Done.

[@wuxiagamescentral]

Ninh Ly: why British milk does suck

[@mannyg35]

Your dad went out for cigarettes. not milk

[@scottydu81]

The line at the register is long

[@rafaelstefan3277]

American Football is getting also more and more popular here in Germany it's my favorite sport

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, gotta love Germany!

[@danmorrison8194]

Is there a connection with all the US military stationed there?

[@eksortso]

@@danmorrison8194 Probably. There's a lot of American players in the Bundesliga, too, and many of them have family in the US military who were stationed in Germany at some point..

[@ratedpending]

@@eksortso IT'S JOHN BROOKS! IT'S JOHN BROOKS! FOR THE USA! HAVE THEY STOLEN IT?

[@eyzmin]

Schwabisch Hall > . Also keep an eye on the AFL, its gone international fully, now 5 countries participating including Austria itself (all former Austrian Empire countries), its setting itself up as the NFL of central europe

[@mikemorr100]

My absolute favorite thing about UK NFL games is the pregame footage of all the people excitedly shuffling in, wearing jerseys from literally all 32 teams. Just, whatever jersey they happen to have, that's what they wear. It's so endearing. I love the excitement without the toxicity of team allegiances.

[@weston407]

I LOVE seeing jerseys from every team in the league 😂😂 it’s cool they’re so into it!

[@morgannorris3168]

As an American I would love to see it become huge in Britain. It would be cool to see an event where the Super Bowl champ played the British champ. Or even the College champ vs the British champ

[@NinhLyUK]

It would be cool, yes!

[@holdentudix7505]

Imagine if some of the colleges in Europe joined the NCAA as their own division like withe the SEC of Big10 it seems like the atmosphere at a European football game is more similar to that of a College Foyt all game than an NFL one so maybe it would fit bettet

[@boosterh1113]

Yeah, no. Canada has been playing Gridiron football for over a century, and supports its own pro and college leagues, but the Grey Cup winner would barely be a speed bump to the SB champs. Britain isn't putting up anything at that level in our lifetimes (barring the NFL expanding to London). Football is arguably the biggest sport in America, and American schools are notably obsessed with athletics. The American talent pipeline is just too much of a juggernaut to beat.

[@razormc954]

Problem is the Super Bowl champion would run the British Champ off the field.. Maybe the College Champ vs British Champ would be more interesting

[@mateuszjasinski3702]

Same here! Like the best nfl team plays the best uk American Football team and see who wins!

[@Ramboost007]

I was today years old when I knew that Jay Ajayi was British. He has a weird accent too, in interviews he just sounds like some random black guy in London, but when he's barking trash talk during games he sounds American.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, surprising isn't it?

[@chidumebiarukwe6436]

I don't know who that is, but that is a Nigerian name

[@RatzaChewy]

@@chidumebiarukwe6436 There's a lot of kids born here with Nigerian parents.

[@Dalton1294]

One of my favorite teams, the Buffalo Bills, have an ex rugby player from the UK on the roster. His name is Christian Wade and he scored his first career TD in a pre-season game against the Colts last year

[@NinhLyUK]

That's right!

[@jacobloving6765]

Clots lol

[@TheBrainSpecialist]

I remember when NFL Europe was still a thing, they'd feature it in Madden. My brother and I would play against each other with those teams for shits and giggles all the time. I would always use the Amsterdam Admirals. Why? Idk, I just think I liked their name. A couple years back I went to Amsterdam and found an Admirals jersey at the second hand shop. I was two sizes too big, but I bought it anyway. Nostalgia's a bitch to your wallet lol.

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool story. And yes, the Admirals had an awesome image. I had several of their jerseys too!

[@kwjazzman]

I was always a Galaxy fan. I liked their logo XD

[@charlesfloyd3747]

Good choice, the Admirals gave us Adam Vinatieri (the NFL’s all time leading scorer)

[@stevewebster957]

Hope American Football catches on in The UK as well as the rest of Europe. I love to see people play the sport for the love of the game.

[@anarchynow100]

As a Brit player, glad to see some recognition for the talent and enthusiasm we bring to the sport.

[@NinhLyUK]

Great! It's only going to get better.

[@JERSEYBOYPLAY2HARD]

Yo would think for Europe to have hooligans fan club that they would watch a more dangerous game like football.

[@Knightfelled]

I personally play American football in Great Britain and without question coming from a rugby background as a winger is one of the most fun sport I have ever played because quite simply it's just nothing like anything else mainly because you can have 5-6 different teams for football and rugby and just one american football team in my area, personally I love it and I do hope maybe one day it grows

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool!

[@treborschafer3945]

How do people get into playing it? I used to play as a winger in football and rugby, but I wouldn't know where to play American football (presumably as a wide reciever)

[@thomascarruthers839]

@@treborschafer3945 find a team near you! or play at uni coming from rugby you could also easily be a running back or a DB (defensive back, make tackles protect against passing)

[@ClayHales]

I think one of the reasons for football's popularity here in America is how it is structured. Friday nights the high school have their games. You can go see the young hopefuls, and it is really cool to see the few guys that later make it in the NFL. High school football is a cool experience. Then on Saturdays you have the college games. You cheer for your alma mater, your home team, or whatever team you love for whatever reason. Then on Sundays you have the big boys. You can go to all three, if you want. They each have their own day, and then you can talk about the game with your buddies for the whole week until it starts over again on the next Friday.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes exactly! That could be replicated over here under the right circumstances!

[@gxgamedayxperience]

A good, accurate look this! As a Brit who now plays this is good content!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro. Check out my channel for more!

[@heatherschoonmaker9875]

Too bad you guys are probably getting Jacksonville

[@NinhLyUK]

We Brits aren't fussy, we'd take anyone. Even the Jets?!

[@willhooks4783]

too bad... until the Jags draft Lawrence 1st overall and have a crazy rebuild. Texans fan myself so it's not exactly beneficial for me (same division) but still I think its probable.

[@datelessdark4763]

@@willhooks4783 bro yeah we destroyed the jags in London let's play em some more

[@McClintonforThree]

We got Minshew and y'all lost Hopkins for peanuts. Remember that AFC Championship y'all played in recently? Oh yeah that was just everyone else in your division.

[@5678sothourn]

Minshew keeps it in Jax

[@jasonselormey3125]

Great video pal. History lesson for a guy like me who is 24, British and just signed my first pro contract to play in Germany!

[@NinhLyUK]

Sweeeeet! Good luck to you bro. And thanks!

[@nyrangersfan22]

This is a nice change of pace lol (just kidding love every vid)

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks dude!

[@aaronhumes2615]

I am originally from England and moved to Memphis in the mid 80s and I have always loved Football and believe it is the best sport

[@NinhLyUK]

It's a great sport, yeah!

[@ertmanpoo]

Also live in Memphis lol, big football town.

[@joneubanks9686]

@@ertmanpoo baffling that they dont have an NFL team

[@aaronhumes2615]

@@joneubanks9686 we have a bad habit of not supporting a losing team down here

[@aaronhumes2615]

@@ertmanpoo small world

[@geekysteved]

Love the video. As an American who enjoys football and would love to see it expand into the UK and Europe, this was very insightful. Love your videos!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks man, much appreciated!

[@Joeyace665]

It's growing mate. 👍

[@kedharswaminathan7571]

As a Dallas native and a life long Cowboys fan, it is nice to see fellow fan such as yourself from across the pond!

[@bruhmagic1323]

I really hope you guys get a team out there, you deserve it!

[@fetchingcarpet8748]

This was a good insight on the football world in the UK. Thanks man

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro!

[@StarNBars94]

I'm a Falcons fan and we've got a Brit on our team. I think his name is Alex Gray. He ended up being a practice squad guy, but that's still pretty impressive from a guy who came straight over from the UK to the NFL.

[@NinhLyUK]

Exactly, yeah!

[@areasquirrel]

Our family watched on Channel 4 back in the day, and my great aunt lives in San Francisco, so there are photos of me as a toddler with 49ers gear. Was delighted to see them get to the Super Bowl again this year. The last few years I've made the effort to get a proper grip on the rules, so I can fully watch along when the Super Bowl is on. Still feels strange to me that the highlights and the Super Bowl itself are on BBC these days, since I remember the Channel 4 days. Picked a good time to watch the coverage more closely this year, so I could see the 49ers doing well. What a match we got, well done the Chiefs!

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, that's a fantastic. Who'd thunk that Channel 4 would create so many fans?!

[@craigbarnes2160]

Nice to see my Hertfordshire Cheetahs feature in it, thank you! Positive video!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks Craig. It's hard to say something about a country with a league structure less than 10 years old. The progress has been relatively good.

[@craigbarnes2160]

@@NinhLyUK The game is in such a much better place than when I played in terms of sustainability. Youth, Junior and Women's teams are providing a proper foundation. We just need to market ourselves to get some fans now!

[@jpdutoit6277]

Hi Ninh. I absolutely love your videos. As an Avgeek and aspiring pilot, I would really like to see you do videos about the rules of air sport e.g. Red Bull Air Races, the Reno Races etc. Much love

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool idea, never even consider air sports?! Nice one! :)

[@jpdutoit6277]

@@NinhLyUK awesome man !!

[@tersecleric2]

Great video Ninh, a few things you forget to mention are the extra support that the Jags in particular are offering and some places offering football scholarships. The Jags have the gridiron grant to fund a limited number of young people's degrees to play football and the jags academy is there for current players at uni and adult level. Also, although not from the uni but the sport unions/SUs; places like Sterling have fully funded some people's masters degrees to play football. The most recent example of an SU scholarship for football was the university of sunderland paying for someone's masters degree to play in div 2 only to come 4th place.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, you're absolutely correct!

[@deathtoluke]

When I was a kid growing up in New Zealand I remember watching the World League of American Football highlights. It was so ridiculously cool. I have never really liked American Football, and probably;y never will (big Ice Hockey fan), but if they resurrect a European league I'd definitely follow it.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah totally!

[@insertcolorherehawk3761]

The closest would be the CEFL

[@marvinstamps1351]

Follow European league of football

[@riosantos1379]

Great video. I’m 16, playing this beautiful sport here in the uk. I’ve played two years for the London blitz, (current national championship for u19). Now also playing for the brand new NFL academy. I firmly agree with the points made in this video. Additionally I believe as a nation we are behind the us (American football) but I believe we are closing the gap quite quickly. As you mentioned there are uk players in the nfl, and now with the nfl academy it is an outlet for us to catch up and succeed the us counterpart. As I’ve seen a tone of my teammates from the academy go from no knowledge of this sport and how to play, to potential being good enough to play in the us for a college. (Which is all of our goals).

[@NinhLyUK]

Great, thanks for stopping by! And yes you're right - the gap is closing pretty quickly. Amazing progress in the last 10 years or so.

[@eksortso]

Wishing you the best, Mr. X. As big as the NFL gets, it pales in comparison to Saturday college football in the U.S. I've tutored athletes in the past (tutoring was a requirement where I went to school), and I admired these guys for what they do, and for how smart they really are!

[@lovehandles4193]

Why do you feel it necessary to "succeed" the counterpart? It is our sport; there is no "counterpart." It is American football. It is part of our culture (one that a lot of y'all don't think we have). Be respectful. Jeez.

[@hammerandtack]

I have really been looking forward to this video. Great concept!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks!

[@r.b.somers2052]

Great video. I lived in the UK and you have some of the most motivated people on Earth. Thanks!

[@gmbirb5319]

Hey, would you do a video on Football outside of the United States and Canada? Also a late congrats on reach 100k subscribers!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro! And yes, I'll consider it.

[@demontorch]

Ninh Ly there’s the Australian Football League

[@gmbirb5319]

@@demontorch Aussie Rules Football is different and then American Football. Canadian Football is similar enough but Aussie is different

[@edwardburek1717]

Hey Ninh, another top video there. I'm one of the originals of 1982 who still remember the Channel 4 coverage with Nicky Horne fronting the coverage - I even had to endure the Vicious Boys when they got the presenting gig. I am aware that there is a league structure in the UK that has been going since those halcyon days in one form or another. According to my trusty Budweiser American Football yearbook from 1987 there were as much as 105 clubs around the country, even though most of those teams have long since passed into history. The last few years of the BAFL saw it being totally dominated by London based teams - the sole exception was when the Coventry Jets beat the London Olympians in the title game in 2005, I think. It was so big, the game made it onto terrestrial TV - okay, so it was Channel 5, but I'm taking it. A professional league in Britain looks intriguing, especially if there is going to be a London-based NFL franchise. It might give some impetus for the players to achieve something. It's a pity that the London games won't be played this year due to DATBOI-19, but that shouldn't derail the NFL's mission in the UK. And, before I go - go Packers!!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks Edward! That's right, there were plenty of clubs back in the day and even now the league is dominated by London clubs. But I'm glad that another 'Channel 4 convert' has made it to the comments section! Go Cowboys.

[@richard6440]

I'm one of the originals of 1982 who still remember the Channel 4 coverage. When Marcus Allen reversed and cut up the middle , against the Redskins , i turned the tv volume up. W want to recreate that moment? then just sing this out loud , real loud :) Where have all the good men gone and where are all the Gods? Where's the street wise Hercules to fight the rising odds? Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need I need a hero I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast And he's gotta be fresh from the fight Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy Somewhere just beyond my reach there's someone reaching back for me Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat It's gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet Through the wind and the chill and the rain And the storm and the flood I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood I need a hero I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast And he's gotta be fresh from the fight. Thank you channel 4 , thank you Bonnie Tyler and god bless you Marcus Allen :)

[@mylonthepylon1068]

Hey ninh been a huge for for a long time am so happy you could do a video about my favourite sport and have just started my rookie season playing youth football in the U.K.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks man. Congratulations on making a team ... I hope I see you in the NFL one day!

[@mylonthepylon1068]

Ninh Ly haha fingers crossed 🤞

[@devinbarber1789]

I worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars for 23 years and got to work the first four of our games in Wembly. It was fun and everyone I met each trip were friendly. I hope the sport grows over there

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool! I hope so too. Thanks!

[@charlesbrooks94]

I don’t believe the NFL placing a team in the UK is feasible simply due to travel times mixed with the frequency of travel. It would probably be more advantageous for the NFL to sponsor or start a professional league solely for the UK for the purpose of developing, scouting, & recruiting players. Maybe also help promote youth and Secondary School football too.

[@PTJStudios18]

What’s secondary school lol

[@SeanWinters]

@@PTJStudios18 high school

[@tfn212]

Thanks to upload an informative video again! As an Indonesian who have problem in English skills, watching your videos with subtitles as well as commenting on your video helpful for me to trying to increase my English skill Also, I glad American football can be lasted very well in UK despite some problems that suck for the mainstreams. I also glad that fanbase in American football is not so hilarious as soccer fanbases. I hope this sport can be more and more popular in the world, including my country, Indonesia (as well as my hope for rugby union) BTW, I am an university student, and my university have a flag football club. Flag football is a variant of American football that replace tackles with touching or holding flags on opponent's waist, I think

[@NinhLyUK]

Your English is pretty good - well done! Thank you for commenting again on my videos. I have an upcoming video about Flag Football.

[@tfn212]

@@NinhLyUK Thank you! I know I tried best as I can

[@layth6857]

The fanbase of soccer is 1000 times better than football

[@user-ng5ol9dl8f]

@@layth6857 Definitely not

[@tfn212]

@Chris Davis Thanks

[@josephcarlino869]

Been watching for years. Keep up the great content!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thank you brother!

[@coachwyse.2point783]

Nice video. Slight correction to the timeline that saw the NFL come back in 2007, which was before the BAFL split from BAFA in 2010. BAFA has been the recognised NGB for the sport since the late 1980s. BAFL soley organised adult leagues.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes.

[@switchgear2501]

Yessss another ninh ly vidéo on my notifications.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks!

[@JamesBryantBRAND]

I am so proud to be part of my university team (Winchester Silverbacks) and having access to Great Britain players as coaches. The UK scene is growing year on year in quality and quantity. Great content, love the videos!!!

[@NinhLyUK]

I agree. At least American Football is making progress unlike the other three I covered. And thanks!

[@sicboi]

The critical yet unrecognized key to getting niche sports to get wide appeal quickly is as you pointed out, access to it in an easy way. Free tv access is a huge way of doing this. In my country, worked well for the growth and interest in cricket after a World Cup was televised live and free. Suddenly everyone and their grandpas were playing backyard cricket.

[@AlchZdot]

They’re also alot of players/coach’s that couldn’t make it to or in the nfl. They still possess the skills and would love to further their careers. Great pipeline

[@Ricardo-dz9xf]

i prefer rugby a lot more, but i like watching the superbowl! A video about the Premiership rugby would be interesting, explaining the history of this competition, structure, expansion, how popular the league is, what the english people think about the league, etc. or a video talking about the old rugby club championship in England, before the Premiership!

[@NinhLyUK]

I'll consider it!

[@spartanworrior4519]

Could you do a video on the state of Aussie rules in the uk? Although I’m not sure there is enough involvement to talk about

[@NinhLyUK]

Not much to say about it really?!

[@herlawman]

There are several leagues but basically all playing level only no one watches and not pro. Could do afl England tho they do play other countries and win

[@maxscameraguy]

I love that you are in a Rhein Fire Game Used Jersey at the end of the video. NFL Europe/WLAF stuff is quite collectable here in the states. I own a London Monarchs 1991 World Bowl Champions Jersey. I'm disappointed that you didn't talk about the jerseys in the 1995 season. Some of the best ever made.

[@NinhLyUK]

Well spotted! And yeah - I have a few items but I definitely don't have a 1991 Monarchs jersey, that would be sweet!

[@maxscameraguy]

@@NinhLyUK Every now and again they pop up on Ebay. Have to be quick though! I actually own Ernie Stautner Game Used Galaxy Coat and it is so cool. People stop and stare as I walk past. Man I miss the 90's big logos and eye catching graphics.

[@NinhLyUK]

@@maxscameraguy Yes, that's where I get some of them from. Found a game worn jersey in a the window of a charity shop one time ... that was a sweet find!

[@Soviet19171]

We Americans would absolutely LOVE for you to get more into our favorite sport. You'd have all of us supporting you through and through. I'd be happy to pick a team and stick with them in the U.K. It would be amazing!

[@pjschaaf414]

Cowboys? Really?! You’re letting me down 😢

[@NinhLyUK]

I know, what a shame huh?

[@pjschaaf414]

Ninh Ly I’ll allow it 😜, fr tho, this was a great video, I always like to tease my friends who are bengals or jags or lions fans that their team is gonna move to London, and now I have some facts to back it up, so thanks!

[@jlyo1991]

Agreed, Go Iggles

[@markfoster1520]

Right....I saw Nick Foles with the trophy....and Wentz black jerseys in the crowd scenes! Go Eagles!....I mean, Up the Eagles!

[@JasnoGT]

😆😁😆

[@ElderDoge]

Commentator: Go Cowboys Me: *closes window*

[@spencerpearson3986]

Go cowboys!

[@conman1495]

It is really cool seeing just how much the game is being played overseas in the UK and Germany. I had always wondered if the London games being sold out were because of a large influx of fans from America coming over or mainly fans from the UK and Europe. As for a team, the NFL will put a team in London, they would be stupid not to but the logistics would be tough to figure out. I also like what some people suggested of having teams from across the pond play each other.

[@HighlightWorkshop]

Great video and a lot of great points being made. Earned yourself a sub!

[@shawklan27]

7:00 Quote aged like fine wine after they thought that it was a good idea to renew the exclusive simulation licence to EA again for like 5 years

[@NinhLyUK]

Uh huh.

[@Toni1988ify]

I remember watching the Barcelona Dragons play on TV growing up. They were a good prospect and had overall media support, but they ended up moving the franchise somewhere else because nobody actually cared, even if they won the World Bowl at least once!

[@NinhLyUK]

That's correct!

[@user-kc8fw6rh5r]

I was in London a couple years ago and there happened to be an NFL game at wembley that week. It was saints and I forget who else. Just riding the tube and walking around the city I saw tons of NFL jerseys and merch on people. One dude I talked to was from slovenia and told me he goes to Miami every year for a game. On TV at my hostel I was able to watch NFL games and even college games. It's cool seeing our game take off in other parts of the world. I can understand if someone doesn't like it because it's too slow or too technical. But Football is king in the US. I'm happy to see other places enjoying it too.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah, it's becoming a cool thing over here. Check out my channel for what it's actually like to see the NFL in London!

[@seanMmaguire1]

Perhaps a 6 nations like tournament featuring the best players from Britain and Ireland competing annually would be a good way to drum up even more interest

[@rogergraves8108]

I thought the Brit’s would look slow and awkward playing it but the scenes they showed looked pretty great actually. Had some great runs and hits

[@zoltanm8278]

Will you do a video about Australian Football in Europe/Uk?

[@NinhLyUK]

The AFL are trying, but many people just aren't biting.

[@zoltanm8278]

It's actually popular in the Uk. Similarly to american football, they have several leagues, including a university league. There's also AFL Europe, which has a Euro Cup every year and a European Championship every 3 years. I feel like it's gradually getting a lot more popular

[@immersion726]

You should also cover the NA sports in Ireland too. The Shamrock Bowl gets covered by NFL Sunday a lot. Baseball Ireland have been around since 97 with more than one dedicated facility ect.

[@dex216sims]

Great video! Very informative. I was wondering, though: Are there any secondary-school teams in the UK like there are in North America? That'd be great if there were.

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks Dexter. I don't believe there are, although a few commenters mentioned that some schools have started to play flag football instead. I've personally not seen this, so I'm only taking their word for it. It would be the next logical step for kids to play the game.

[@vincentadams9358]

@@NinhLyUK There is JagTag run by the Jacksonville Jaguars and BAFA are starting their own School Flag program

[@StudioUAC]

can't wait for the nfl europe video!

[@NinhLyUK]

Coming soon dude.

[@shawklan27]

Had fond memories playing with the sea devils and centurions on my psp....good times

[@aaronhumes2615]

"Bitch please!" You said that like an American.... love your stuff subscribed

[@NinhLyUK]

Hell yeah I did. And thanks!

[@matt18m18]

I go to a Giants game and a Jets game every season, and at every game I meet someone from another country (It also happens at hockey and basketball games too). I also ask if it's just curiosity while visiting New York, and most of them say no. Someone in their group is a fan and watches it on TV. I met people from France (twice), Czech Republic, Netherlands, and at one particular game, I had people from Argentina sitting next to me, and people from Brazil behind me. Thankfully, both groups were watching the game in front of us. Surprisingly, I haven't seen any Brits, but I do see them all the time at hockey.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah that's right. You'll totally find fans from all over the place. Surprised you haven't bumped into Brits yet though.

[@xempy2336]

American Football is such a passion driven sport here. I played in the 3rd division here in Serbia and people who play it here really fucking love it. We got 2 top teams that participate in the CEFL. Its really fun to watch them since they usually sign some college players every season. Btw, I love that our National Team was just a field goal shy from getting into a top 4 group in the European Cup(we had 2 of them from 25-35 yards and missed both). Also we started playing it here in like 2003 without proper equipment and no goverment support. Even tho we still do not have that goverment support the match against 2 top teams in Serbia - Kragujevac Wild Boars and Belgrade Wolves feels like a Division 1 college game in the NCAA.

[@NinhLyUK]

Cool info, thanks very much.

[@rafaelstefan3277]

BRING NFL EUROPE BACK

[@NinhLyUK]

Watch out for my next video about that!

[@Loftyhomegaming]

Give it 5 more years and I think a league has to be created as we are gaining traction. We need small leagues in more countries this will hopefully create connections between countries so player trades occur between team in separate leagues. NFL Europe was equivalent to the MLS. Mostly a dumping group with not much opportunities to advance to the NFL.

[@sethfinberg348]

NFL Europe created the start for Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner (Rams/Cardinals), HOF kicker Adam Vinatieri (Patriots, Colts), and Super Bowl winning QB Brad Johnson (Bucs).

[@MeatballYaro2]

With XFL trying to come back again next year, I can see NFL trying a European league again

[@imcarlosjr4898]

Ninh Ly ya

[@rubinortiz2311]

Football is getting popular in Mexico and the whole continent of Africa as well. It’s also been popular in Australia.

[@NinhLyUK]

Don't know about Africa, but yes to the other two.

[@rubinortiz2311]

Ninh Ly By Africa I mean west Africa it’s really popular in Nigeria and Ghana

[@jayrogers8255]

I’m an American who doesn’t like, nor understand, our football, but am wholly supportive of it taking hold in the UK to see how its culture would shape the game (would high schools have cheerleaders & Friday night games, for example?).

[@oasisfan9671]

Nice video, when quarantine is over what football stadium do you plan on visiting first on your Ultimate bucket list channel?

[@NinhLyUK]

Wherever is open!

[@darvish2012]

The only things British knew about it before 1982 are it's played in the US, it's a sport, and it's dangerous.

[@NinhLyUK]

Basically, yes.

[@WVU.STEELERS.CELTICS]

Idk every annoying European I've seen has said that football is not a sport and it's for pussies...sooo. Even though it's been proven it's more dangerous than rugby, and more entertaining than soccer/football (in my opinion) nobody wants a 0-0 or even 1-0 final score in a 3 hour period.

[@dansomething7742]

So its Channel 4s fault 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@NinhLyUK]

Figuratively, yes.

[@coachwyse.2point783]

Combined with both the professionalism of Rugby Union, and Rugby League moving to the summer, a lot of great contact athletes moved away from American Football.

[@kevinspinnoy5010]

Hey Ninh, any chance you will be sharing your thoughts on the NHL possibly coming to Germany, or the new NWHL team in Toronto ?

[@NinhLyUK]

I think both already have had that, right? Kolner Haie vs the Oilers last year and the Toronto is getting the 6ix?

[@kevinspinnoy5010]

Yes, there have been exhibition games in Germany, but what are your thoughts about a real NHL team based there ? What are the odds of it ever happening ? And since the old Toronto furies team folded, how do you see the reception of this new 6ix team going ? Would love to see you talk about these ;)

[@thewestisthebest6608]

I think an expansion team in the UK could work. The travel costs would be a lot but I think the fact that every game they play would be England vs. America would generate enough interest and enough views to cover those and make the team profitable

[@NinhLyUK]

I agree.

[@escjacob541]

Also @Ninh Ly have you considered making a vid about MLS’ growth and its perception in the UK?

[@Charlie-rk5ts]

Once it introduces relegation/promotion in a couple of decades it will be considered a top 6 world league, and soon become the most popular sport in the USA

[@escjacob541]

Charlie 987 pro/rel won’t be a thing for a VERY long time if ever. I think soccer is 3rd behind NFL & NBA atm

[@NinhLyUK]

I'll consider it!

[@islezynkeez72]

KawaiiToast MLS is comfortably behind the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL as the 5th league. The top 4 are entrenched

[@ryansmith1044]

@@islezynkeez72 Currently, yes, but that will soon change. Hockey's popularity continues to remain stagnant, if not decline slightly, and the vast majority of baseball fans are old boomers, and when they die off, so will baseball's popularity. Replacing these boomer sports fans are millennials and zoomers, who statistics show favor soccer more than both hockey and baseball. Additionally, soccer's participation numbers have gone against the trend as MORE high school students have played soccer from year to year compared to a decrease in participation of other sports, namely American Football. These statistics, combined with the anticipated spike in popularity that will result from the primarily-US-hosted 2026 World Cup, all point to soccer overtaking hockey and baseball by the end of this coming decade, placing it as a solid 3rd among the American sports hierarchy, behind the NFL and NBA.

[@daniel_caiello1305]

I don’t think they will put an NFL team in Europe. If you watch the rams video about what it takes to take a team to London it makes sense. Maybe if they put in a Europe conference, division, or maybe even another league it would work. I personally really want to see American footballs and internationally so there could be an equivalent of the World Cup or champions league some day

[@NinhLyUK]

I saw that. It's difficult, no doubt - but it's certainly not impossible.

[@michaelscott7166]

I don't think it's an insurmountable challenge though. Over here we have the Toronto Wolfplack who've been playing in English Rugby League for a few years now. Also there's 2 South African teams playing Pro 14 Rugby Union, which is mainly Welsh, Scottish and Irish teams.

[@Jellypeppa25]

I played the game both as Tight End, and Inside linebacker from 1986 to 1992 both in the BAFL league and the Budweiser League which brought more sponsorship money, its a Fantastic sport,, and back them i remember there were no less than 180 teams with no less than 4 divisions all over the Country, its good to see they are taking the game even more seriously now ,in terms of training camps.Cudos to who ever thought that idea up😊

[@potatismos7446]

Awesome video as always!

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro!

[@escjacob541]

Hopefully this happens in Australia/NZ!

[@deathtoluke]

Popularity of the sport in NZ grows but I find the development of the sport just seems to take 1 step forward and 2 steps back. I'm sure it was better structured in the late 90s.

[@NinhLyUK]

Probably!

[@JBowdler]

Very good take! i run a Britball FB Group and we give out a positive vibe and keep on the road to make the sport domestically continually growing and spreading awareness. I guess, in a way, because we had Budweiser and Coco Cola sponsor us back in the 80's and early 90's and teams had 2, 3 or 4 American Players which lifted the standard, the game since 2000's and 2010's gets compared to that era and pales in comparison. Its getting the NFL fans to come and see their local side, once you ask questions and get to know teams, you do get drawn in, its not perfect, but the guys that play it are very dedicated to the core.

[@NinhLyUK]

Yes, that's exactly right. I think there's no shortage of NFL fans over here, the next stage is for people to follow their local teams. That said, the product on the field has to be pretty good in order to get them to do that. Doesn't have to be NFL standard, but it at least has to be entertaining. Thanks Jason.

[@trianglescube2948]

There is a “sport” i think you haven’t covered yet in your channel, its called Speedcubing which is basically solving Rubik’s Cubes as fast as you can, WCA(World Cube Association or something i forgot) is the organization which has competitions often (well, not during this time ofcourse) and even have world championships every 3 years i think. I’m pretty sure this is a sport because it’s like chess but probably more fun for the spectator. Thanks for the awesome videos Ninh, from Singapore 🇸🇬.

[@NinhLyUK]

I don't consider speedcubing a sport.

[@DanceGuy99]

Great video! You've heard it here from Buffalo, NY GO BILLS! Anyway, what's the deal about football injuries/CTE in the UK?

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks bro. I don't think there's been any/many cases so far?

[@1m3agle]

If American football became an olympic sport the popularity would grow and new teams could pop up around the world

[@NinhLyUK]

Technically you're right!

[@JJCG4MES]

I think many more contries in Europe and around the world should pick up American football because it would increase the competition for brittan and the us because the standard of competition would be brought up to at least college level

[@NinhLyUK]

Yeah I agree.

[@afiqjaffarran]

In Malaysia it's been since 2004 . Mainly from students that used to study in the US. It has grown since. But we're still in flag football. It's just too expensive to import the helmet and pads. Hopefully in 10 - 20 years we could afford helmet and pads.

[@NinhLyUK]

Hopefully, yes.

[@aikhis]

Last year the CFL and British American Football signed a partnership. It will be holding combines in a couple European countries, including UK.... SO more UK talent could be heading to North America very soon.... I'm not sure if the combines happened this year because of covid

[@NinhLyUK]

That's actually true!

[@benselectionforcasting4172]

Oh God. UK getting college teams... knowing College Fans here (go Dawgs, sic em sic em woof woof), UK fans will probably make hooligans look tame.

[@nickinportland]

NFL is fine and all but college is where it’s at 👏🏻

[@dannyhipolito817]

We need a Super Bowl in New White Hart Lane or O2 Arena

[@3dsaulgoodman43]

Hey Ninh can you make a video on the worst club owners in every sport? Like The Glazers and Mike Ashley for soccer, etc.

[@NinhLyUK]

Sure, why not?

[@geekysteved]

I live in Pittsburgh and went to a Steelers preseason game a few years ago with my brother. We met a pair of brothers from Germany who flew in specifically to come to the game. It's very cool to see American Football become a global sport. You should do a video on Flag Football which the NFL is backing and positioning itself to be an Olympic sport.

[@oskarehre5410]

American football is my favorite sport

[@NinhLyUK]

Great!

[@simonhodgson9300]

Me too, by a country mile!

[@69wilkin69]

Would love for you to have mentioned some of the school programs that are ran as it's getting very big mainly at flag but just before covid I was in talks for some schools to play 5v5 contact as a summer competition at secondary level

[@NinhLyUK]

They don't do that everywhere, but at least some schools are trying.

[@69wilkin69]

@@NinhLyUK no but JagTag programs are being ran in alot of places now. London Newcastle Manchester Glasgow Belfast You also have subway programmes hitting up other places such as Leeds and Sheffield along with alot more.

[@jdhenshaw6119]

Been watching this channel and Jelle’s Marble Runs nonstop. I’d love to see you try to explain the events of the Marblelympics/Marble League! (Only partially a joke. I’d watch that shit!)

[@NinhLyUK]

I've never heard of them.

[@Louie-eq6ub]

Wow there really is a sport in the uk from other countries that doesn’t suck great 👍

[@NinhLyUK]

Surprisingly, yes!

[@heavenascended]

No dislikes yet let's keep it this way

[@NinhLyUK]

Spoke too soon, just got one. There are some real saddos out there.

[@reidprbl8561]

Here in Australia, we used to have the Sydney Cup having teams like Stanford and Cal playing just wish it would come back honestly all they need to do is show some games and there would be interest

[@NinhLyUK]

Probably yeah.

[@FreeJaffa92]

Great video. It kind of stuns me the American Football is the UK success story versus the other North American sports. It seems like the UK has a lot of diversity in contact sports and low diversity in non contact sports, why is that?

[@NinhLyUK]

I'm not sure - tough nation maybe?

[@user-ng5ol9dl8f]

Its the opposite. How many contact sport are popular in the UK except rugby? In the US, football, Hockey and collegiate wrestling and MMA are very popular

[@treborschafer3945]

Because we are all soz hard and our only use for baseball bats is for hitting each other to toughen up some more, grrr.

[@padraigoshea4634]

9th view and 7th comment

[@NinhLyUK]

Thanks Padraig! Very specific!

[@GreekPele]

One problem though. If it went professional in the U.K. it would have to compete with rugby for sponsorship deals and players and stuff like that.

[@kasisoot]

I like the Skoda badge on your jersey. Wish we could buy them in the USA.

[@Set42]

This was a great informative video. As an American myself. I got into watching European Football thanks to Silas Nacita. I've been helping players with videos for a few years to help grow the game worldwide. This was great

[@NinhLyUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suserman7775]

I could care less about what sports are shown on TV. To me, it's all about what people actually PLAY themselves. As an American, I can tell you that while Rugby is not an organized sport of much popularity, an informal version of it is played by school-aged kids after lunch, during "recess". It's called "kill the man with the ball" and is typically played with a squeezed-together "ball" of aluminum foil. Whoever has the ball runs around until they get tackled; at which point they throw the ball up in the air for another brave soul to take on the challenge. Purposely getting rid of the ball before you are tackled is seen as an extremely cowardly act and usually gets punished.