JJ Watt highlights ‘major hurdle’ in having a permanent NFL team overseas appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With the NFL’s expansion internationally over the last few games, there’s a major question that’s been looming. “Will we have a team overseas in the future?” It’s an interesting question, but it’s also a large logistical challenge for the NFL.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ injury situation highlights this hurdle for the league, and JJ Watt was quick to point it out. After an injury to their starting long snapper in Week 5, the team will be flying a new LS for their next game in London. Watt notes that this is an example of the problems the NFL will have should they decide to have a team outside of the country.
“There are obviously many logistical challenges to the hypothetical conversations about having a team or a division overseas permanently,” Watt commented on X. “Roster movement (try out players, signing/releasing, replacing injured guys, trades, etc) is a major hurdle. Good example this week.”
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The Jaguars are London’s de facto home team. The NFL has consistently given the Jags home games in London. Because of that, there are some who speculate that the league might decide to move the team from Jacksonville to the UK to accommodate their international fans. However, as Watt points out, there are a lot of issues that will need to be addressed before even thinking about sending a team overseas permanently.
The Jaguars’ long snapper, Ross Matiscik, suffered an injury in Week 5 of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. Given their struggles with their backup long snapper in the game, they decided to sign veteran Jacob Bobenmoyer as his temporary replacement. However, with Jacksonville set to play another game in London in Week 6, Bobenmoyer has to fly to London to join the team.
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