NFL fans shoot down Roger Goodell’s strategy to hold Super Bowl outside the US, call it ‘terrible idea’

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell hinted at the possibility of expanding the sport internationally, on Saturday, October 12, at an NFL forum in London, with games potentially being played in the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil.

The league's pragmatic shift towards global expansion may be regarded as equitable. Speaking at a fan forum in London, Goodell mentioned that although he had never seriously considered such a prospect, the evolving landscape of the NFL could indeed make it a reality.

Roger Goodell envisions future Super Bowls abroad as NFL expands international presence

"We’ve always traditionally tried to play a Super Bowl in an NFL city — that was always sort of a reward for the cities that have NFL franchises. But things change. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if that happens one day,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said according to ABC News.

Goodell floated the idea as he outlined a plan that could include playing 16 international games every year if the regular season expands to 18 games.

He expressed confidence that Ireland would soon host a game. He suggested Rio de Janeiro as a potential new host and mentioned that the Jacksonville Jaguars are contemplating playing more games in London while their home stadium is being renovated.

This season's Super Bowl, the 59th edition, will take place in New Orleans.

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, is set to host in 2026, followed by SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in 2027.

The last Super Bowl, where Kansas City triumphed over San Francisco 25-22 in overtime, became the most-watched program in US television history.

Hosting the Super Bowl outside the United States would indeed be a departure from tradition. To date, the Super Bowl has never been held outside the US.

However, as Commissioner Goodell has indicated, this could change in the future. The NFL is committed to expanding the sport annually, and one strategy to achieve this is by increasing the number of games played internationally, allowing fans in those locations to experience the games live.

NFL fans oppose Roger Goodell's expansion plan

While NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is toying with the idea of holding Super Bowls outside the US, fans are not too excited about the possibility and made their opinions known on X, previously known as Twitter.

A user wrote, "This is a terrible idea."

Another added, "Is he trying to be the most unlikeable commissioner in sports?"

The third commentator remarked, "This would be absolutely the dumbest thing ever."

"That is anti-American," a critic claimed.

A person suggested, "This is an AMERICAN SPORT.. it should remain in AMERICA."

Other chimed in, "Stop ruining the sport I love."

However, a few fans highlighted the NFL's motive to profit from such a move. 

"Translation: Nashville, New Orleans, and Atlanta, time to up your bids," a fan tweeted.

"This is actually not a bad idea. Especially since the Superbowl should be held at a new neutral site. It wouldn't be something that could be done every year but it would make Superbowl week all that much more fun for those attending," other added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.