The Atlanta Falcons will face the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Sunday, marking another step in the NFL's international expansion. American football has deep roots in Germany, dating back to post-World War II military bases, with a knowledgeable fanbase ready to welcome the teams.
American football's journey in Germany began after World War II, when the sport was introduced on U.S. military bases. Club teams emerged in the late 1970s, leading to the formation of the German Football League. The NFL furthered its presence with the launch of NFL Europe in 1991, which evolved into the World League of American Football and later NFL Europe until 2007.
The upcoming Falcons-Colts game, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET, is expected to draw a festive crowd at the Olympic Stadium. Falcons record stands at 3-5, while the Colts enter at 5-3. Fans in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Cologne are described as passionate and well-versed in the sport, with pre-game festivals and parties planned in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Berlin.
Former NFL Europe director Nick Polce emphasized the importance of international development: "It was important to develop international talent playing real football for the game." Dave Bowens, a former Falcons player and coach, noted the global appeal: "We had a bunch of international players... We really developed our edge from a good international standpoint."
Germany has produced notable NFL talents, including Moritz Böhringer, the first international player drafted in 2016 by the Minnesota Vikings. Other German-connected figures include Bernd Hanhren, current Colts head coach from Düsseldorf, and Patrick Chung, involved in NFL academies. NFL executive Peter Schrager highlighted the market's potential: "It's the largest market in Europe... our fan base is massive and knowledgeable."
The game underscores the NFL's commitment to growing the sport abroad, with academies in Germany and Australia focusing on player development. As Polce added, "They have really good organized one league... GFL, German Football League." This matchup promises to blend competition with cultural exchange in a country where American football has evolved from military pastime to a vibrant local scene.