By: Rick Snider Examiner Sports Columnist December 15, 2009
Will the Washington Redskins be the Americans in London next year?
The NFL will play two games in London in 2010, the league's UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood told the BBC on Sunday. Kirkwood said two teams have agreed to forgo a home game to play at Wembley Stadium.
The NFL doesn't announce international games until Super Bowl week, but Redskins sources said the possibility of Washington as a visiting team has been discussed.
The Redskins played a 1992 preseason game in London after winning the Super Bowl earlier that year. The team gained a large British following afterward with fan clubs even attending games at RFK Stadium and touring Redskins Park. The team still has a steady following in England.
The NFL is seeking a better foothold in London after disbanding its NFL Europe summer league in 2008. Some expect four games annually by 2012 when London hosts the Summer Olympics. Scotland and Wales also are vying to host games.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said London is a franchise possibility, though no timetable is given. The league also is eyeing a return to Los Angeles, but teams relocating versus expanding is more likely. New England owner Robert Kraft also advocates a team in London within the next decade.
There also has been speculation over London hosting a Super Bowl. However, the event's economic impact and eight-hour difference from the U.S. West Coast markets makes it very unlikely.
London has hosted an NFL game annually since 2007. New England beat Tampa Bay on Oct. 25 before 84,254. New Orleans played San Diego in 2008 and the New York Giants met Miami in 2007.
The large gate is attractive for teams unable to sell out games such as Jacksonville, Detroit, Oakland and Arizona. Washington plays at Jacksonville and Detroit next year and meets Arizona, though the site won't be decided until season's end. FOX is expected to televise the London games and Washington as a visitor would meet the NFC team requirement.
While some coaches balk over playing internationally, a flight to London is not much longer than Washington's trip to Oakland on Sunday or its Jan. 3 game at San Diego.
It may be the Redskins turn to head abroad. After all, linebacker London Fletcher would be popular with British fans.
Then I would finally get to see them!!!
