The NFL has been openly discussing growing the game internationally.
And I’d say taking the games overseas to Germany (in addition to contests to be played in the UK and Mexico) is a sizable step in that direction:
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Munich will host a game in 2022, and there will be four total games in Germany over 4 years — two in Munich, two in Frankfurt. In addition, there will be a game in Mexico this coming season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 9, 2022
There it is.
NFL. Germany. Let’s go! 🏈🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/pBTZtkxgDB
— Michael McQuaid (@Michael_NFL) February 9, 2022
Well, this is pretty neat!
The NFL announced it will play regular-season games in Germany, with the first such occurrence in Munich coming later this year. There will be three other games that will take place over the next four years, with showdowns being split between Munich and Frankfurt. So … how about the Bears in Germany for Oktoberfest? I suppose it’s plausible. Why wouldn’t the NFL want to send one of its most recognizable brands across the pond?
For what it’s worth, the Bears are no strangers to Germany. The team spent time during the offseason back in 2013 visiting U.S. troops. Prior to that, the Bears played a game in 1991 at Olympic Stadium in Berlin. According to the LA Times reporting archives, it wasn’t pretty. Head Coach Mike Ditka was not thrilled with his team’s performance, saying: “More or less we embarrassed ourselves out there today. We didn’t execute. When we did have people open, we didn’t throw the ball that well. There’s a lot of room for improvement.”
I can’t imagine a Bears trip to Germany going any worse than what Ditka was describing in 1991. Maybe it is time for a return trip? Preferably, one that leaves a better impression than the last visit. We’ll have to wait it out until the league announces its schedule this spring. In the meantime, make sure to update your passport information (just in case).