In this week's owner's meetings, the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers were selected to represent the NFL in London next season. September 29 to be exact. Supposedly it's an honor to be selected.
I don't like it. I've never liked these trans-Atlantic games. The NFL loves them. They want to expand their international name. That's easy enough to understand. I just disagree with doing so at the expense of their hometown fans. They only get eight regular season games. Losing one is a significant chunk. The Vikings-Steelers game next year is a home game for Minnesota in London. Some, perhaps many, of the Vikings fans will see a European vacation in September as an extravagance beyond their means. I feel bad for them. I feel bad for the teams too. Much of the football season is built on routine. The constant Thursday night games that we have now is disruptive enough. Traveling and adjusting to London shatters the weekly routines. The game is a big deal over there. Like a little Bowl game in the middle of the season. Nothing about this game is anything like what the teams know. Fortunately, both teams are going through the same things. Fortunately, both teams have their bye the following week. Very thoughtful.
The Vikings owners are excited about being selected so maybe I'm just a fool. The owners don't have to play the game. It's easy for them to afford the trip. It's easy for them to adjust to the travel and to watch the game in comfort. Pose for some pictures. Shake some hands. I'd like to hear how the players feel about this European vacation. I know how this fan feels.
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