There is no doubt the National Football League is expanding worldwide, with games being played in England, Germany, and Mexico and most importantly gaining more fans in viewership and popularity of the NFL.
One current Raider on the roster has had experience in playing football in another country. Raiders German-born fullback, Jakob Johnson, started his football career playing football in Germany. He became a star player playing in Germany and the German Football League.
The 28 year old is entering his fifth NFL season. Last season was the first season Johnson played with the Raiders, after spending three seasons with the New England Patriots.
Jakob Johnson had the opportunity to speak with the media recently on how much the NFL has changed over time and has become more popular around the world.
"Oh man, it's this a huge change. Growing up, I think I watched my first football game in like 2007 or something. It was a late night broadcast, very, very boring, very dry. Right now, Germany actually just opened a giant football broadcast facility with like a field goal inside of it and a mascot, full time broadcasting staff. A bunch of the German legends are there, Sebastian Vollmer, Björn Werner a first round draft pick. So, it's changed a lot. And on the heels of that obviously, our international leagues have profited as well, European League of football. I say it every time, I'm a franchise owner over there. We're looking pretty good for the playoffs right about now. The game is growing, and I think that will help all of us. Like 30 years from now, I still need some kids to play football to pay for my pension, and I think the more international kids we can get involved, the better."
The German native is now entering his second season with the Silver and Black and will continue to make an impact as the starting fullback for the Raiders.
The Silver and Black open the regular season at the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4:25 p.m. EDT/1:25 p.m. PDT.
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