Shocking Report Puts Roger Goodell’s Plans to Turn NFL Into a Truly Global Phenomenon Under the Scanner

NFL games are growing overseas in terms of viewership. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier said that he is planning to make football a global sport. So, is he successful in achieving so?

As per the reports, since 2007, 43 NFL games have been played on foreign soil. However, this isn’t enough to achieve the dream which Goodell saw for the NFL. A recent report suggests the league has way more to go to turn the NFL into an international sport.

The NFL is only dominated by the U.S.?

The NFL Notifications on its official X account posted data about the percentage of players in the league. It states: “The NFL has ONLY about 4% players born outside of the USA. This is by far the lowest of the four major sports.” This percentage brings Roger Goodell’s “global sport” dream under the scanner.

Additionally, the page asked a genuine and important question, asking, “Should NFL teams have an extra spot for International Players that don’t count against the 53 man rosters?” The answer for Goodell might probably be a ‘yes,’ if he wants to aim to make football an international sport.

However, as per another important update, the NFL is “expanding its practice squad for all 32 teams to include one international player” next season.

How many NFL players have signed with the teams?

The NFL has announced an expansion of practice squads for all 32 teams starting in 2024. This expansion includes adding one international player to each team’s practice squad. This move aims to create more chances for talented athletes from around the world to be discovered and nurtured in football. Since 2017, certain divisions have been allocated international players through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. Each year, one division participated in the program. In 2022, two divisions — the AFC West and the NFC North — participated, with eight players being allocated to NFL clubs.

Since the IPP program began, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams through allocation, drafting, or free agency. Currently, 19 IPP athletes are on NFL rosters, with five players making active rosters. Starting in 2024, practice squads for all 32 clubs will expand to 17 players if one player is an eligible international player. An eligible international player is someone whose citizenship and primary residence are outside the United States and Canada and who has a maximum of two years of high school experience in the US. Additionally, international players must meet all NFL player eligibility rules and have been eligible for a previous NFL Draft.

Teams can select players through the IPP program or independently scout for international talent. It will provide an opportunity for all clubs to embrace international talent and further grow the game of football.

Read more: Why Are There No 2024 NFL Games on Tuesday? Reason Behind Roger Goodell’s Decision Amid Christmas Day Announcement