The Kansas City Chiefs are set to diverge from their usual home turf for an unconventional matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany, as part of the NFL’s efforts to globalize American football. The eagerly anticipated game is a unique occurrence within the NFL‘s International Series, stirring discussions about the impact and logistics of such significant fixtures taking place far from American soil.
Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs on the road to Germany to play Miami Dolphins
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Chiefs‘ seasoned wide receiver, expressed his mixed feelings about the international game in a candid interview with CBS Sports. “Yeah, it sucks,” Valdes-Scantling admitted, referring to the arduous nine-hour journey for what is nominally a home game. “I mean, obviously it sucks that we have to travel nine hours for a home game when Arrowhead is right down the street.”
Despite the personal inconveniences, such as finding a babysitter for his dogs, Valdes-Scantling recognizes the broader picture – the global fanbase. “But obviously we do have other fans that are all over the world, not just in the United States. So it gives them the opportunity to see some of their favorite players play,” he stated.
Valdes-Scantling is aware of the Chiefs‘ international following, particularly in Germany, and appreciates the opportunity to entertain them. Nevertheless, he outlined the trip’s rigorous schedule, indicating that the Chiefs‘ stay in Frankfurt will be strictly business-oriented, with little opportunity for the players to enjoy the city.
The Dolphins chose to arrive in Frankfurt early
The Dolphins, conversely, have approached the overseas game differently, arriving in Frankfurt earlier under the guidance of Coach Mike McDaniel, who wanted his team to have some downtime.
The impending game is not just a spectacle for international audiences but also a pivotal clash in the AFC standings, with both Miami and Kansas City standing at 6-2 after the Dolphins‘ recent victory and the Chiefs‘ unexpected defeat.
Valdes-Scantling, no stranger to performing under pressure, discussed his mindset going into high-stakes games. Reflecting on his successful plays in past championship games, he shared his philosophy of staying level-headed: “I look at all those games the same, never get too high, never get too low.”
He ended it by remembering a saying from one of his college coaches that has stayed with him: “It’s never as good as it is and it’s never as bad as it seems.”
As the NFL continues to broaden its international horizons, players like Valdes-Scantling grapple with the complexities of global games – balancing the demands of travel with the joy of playing for a worldwide audience. Despite the challenges, the promise of sharing the American football experience with fans across the globe remains an unique opportunity for the NFL.
