According to multiple reports, the Browns will be taking their sterling showcase of ineptitude international next year when they cross the pond and play a game at London’s Twickenham StadiumStadium. The NFL International Series, which has brought three games to London each year for the past four seasons, is expanding to four games next season.
It’s unclear whether the Browns will give up a home game at FirstEnergy Stadium in order to play in the United Kingdom, but judging by the tens of thousands of empty seats at yesterday’s home loss to the Bengals, Browns fans won’t care if that’s the case.
The Browns have yet to comment on the matter. The full batch of 2016 London games is expected to be announced Tuesday morning.
The series itself is an attempt to turn the NFL into more of a global sport. So far, judging by attendance, it’s been a success. And while the NFL generally ships some of its less appealing games over the Atlantic, the wisdom of subjecting Londoners to the Browns is debatable.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had this to say in a released statement, “”We continue to be incredibly excited by the passion and love for the NFL shown by our millions of U.K. fans. London is an amazing city. We have had tremendous support from our fans, from Mayor (Saliq) Khan and other government leaders and business partners, and we are looking forward to taking the next step in the U.K. by playing four games in London next season.”
No word yet on if the NFL is exploring relegating the Browns to the NCAA if they haven’t won a single game by then.
This article appears in Dec 7-13, 2016.
The 2017 home schedule is not that enticing: after the three division games, it’s the Jaguars, Bears, Lions, Titans and an AFC East or AFC West team.
Remember “Ford has a better idea” back in the day? Well, Chuckles has a better idea.
Play all eight home games in London. Next year, and the year after that…and the year after that…and…
Call ’em the London Bridges, because they’re always falling down, right?
I quit watching and listening quite a while ago. It stops hurting when you stop caring.
Chuckles the Clown
Can we please send a home game over there? Look, i’m all about being a die-hard fan, and maybe they turn everything around next year. But after everything that’s happened since 1999, please excuse me for being skeptical and wanting to hold on to my money. I’ll always be a Browns fan, but I’ve stopped watching games in recent years. I have better, non-depressing and angering things to do with my time.