Ian Lewis – LWOSports https://lwosports.com Sports News, Analysis, Opinions, and Rumors. Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:54:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 The Top 4 Global Cities Ready for an NFL Team https://lwosports.com/2023/06/30/the-top-4-global-cities-ready-for-an-nfl-team/ https://lwosports.com/2023/06/30/the-top-4-global-cities-ready-for-an-nfl-team/#respond Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:00:12 +0000 https://lwosports.com/?p=61784 With the tickets for the Dolphins-Chiefs International game in Frankfurt, Germany selling out in 15 minutes, it has NFL fans thinking about what an expansion could look like. As the NFL continues to expand its global reach and technology in travel gets much more efficient, the possibility of establishing teams beyond U.S. borders is an exciting prospect.

While numerous cities could make a case, we’ve identified four global destinations with the necessary infrastructure, fan base, and market potential.

Expanding America’s Biggest League World-Wide

1. London, England

Let’s go ahead and get the obvious one out of the way. London has demonstrated a fiery passion for American football, regularly hosting NFL games since 2007. The city has successfully staged 35 regular-season matchups and even hosted four NFL London Games in one season from 2016 to 2019.

a) Market Potential

London’s metropolitan area boasts a population of over 14 million people, providing a vast potential fan base for an NFL team. A study conducted by the NFL indicated that over 13 million people in the UK are interested in American football, with around four million considering themselves avid fans.

b) Financial Viability

According to Forbes, the average NFL team is valued at $3.05 billion. London, as a major global financial hub, offers substantial market potential for investors and sponsors, making it an attractive destination for franchise owners. The NFL London Games have consistently drawn large crowds, with an average attendance of over 80,000 fans per game, showcasing the city’s capacity for hosting regular-season contests.

2. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico’s capital city, with its vibrant culture and immense love for sports, represents an enticing opportunity for the NFL to establish a presence in Latin America. Mexico City has already hosted four regular-season NFL games with great success.

a) Passionate Fan Base

Mexico City boasts a passionate and knowledgeable fan base, consistently drawing large crowds to NFL games held at the Estadio Azteca. The NFL’s annual game in Mexico City, reinstated in 2016, has witnessed remarkable attendance, with over 100,000 fans filling the stadium on multiple occasions. 

b) Market Size

With a metropolitan population of over 21 million people, Mexico City presents a substantial market for an NFL team. A study by the NFL indicates that Mexico has over 23 million American football fans, showcasing the sport’s widespread popularity and potential for growth.

3. Toronto, Canada

While Canada already has a thriving football culture with the CFL, Toronto represents an attractive market for an NFL team due to its size, proximity to the US, and diverse fan base. Toronto is a city we don’t see as often on these types of lists. So consider the following factors:

a) Population and Market Potential

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, home to over 2.7 million residents, with a greater metropolitan population exceeding six million. The Toronto region also has a substantial American football following, with millions of fans eagerly following the NFL. They already have three teams out of the four major sports leagues, why shouldn’t the NFL tap into the market? 

b) Economic Strength

Toronto’s strong economy, backed by a diverse range of industries, provides an ideal foundation for generating revenue streams through sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise. See, if Drake wants to be an owner. He’s got the money and star power to attract top-tier talent to the 6. While also having a cult following that would almost certainly do huge numbers for the NFL.  

4. Frankfurt, Germany

The aforementioned Frankfurt, known as the financial capital of Germany and a major economic hub in Europe, presents a compelling case for the NFL to consider establishing a team in the city.

a) Population and Market Potential

Frankfurt is one of the most populous cities in Germany, with a population of over 750,000 residents. Moreover, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan area has a population of more than 5.5 million people, offering significant market potential for the NFL. Germany as a whole has a passionate and growing fan base for American football, with an estimated 20,000 registered players and an increasing number of fans who follow the NFL.

b) Economic Strength

Frankfurt boasts a robust and diverse economy, driven primarily by its status as a global financial center. The city is home to numerous multinational corporations, including some of the world’s largest banks and financial institutions. This economic strength provides a solid foundation for generating revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise, as well as attracting potential investors or owners for an NFL team.

Additionally, Frankfurt has a strong sports culture, with successful professional teams in soccer, basketball, and ice hockey. The city has a passionate and dedicated fan base that regularly supports its local teams, indicating the potential for a similar enthusiasm and support for an NFL team.

While the NFL isn’t chomping at the bit to expand, it’s only a matter of time before they want to further America’s #1 sport to the world. The NFL will without a doubt continue to explore opportunities beyond the United States, with these three global cities standing out as prime candidates for hosting an NFL team.

London’s thriving market, Mexico City’s passionate fan base, Toronto’s distance to the States, and Germany’s passion make them alluring prospects. With the NFL’s global popularity on the rise, expanding into these cities could further solidify American football’s place on the global sports landscape.

Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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]]> https://lwosports.com/2023/06/30/the-top-4-global-cities-ready-for-an-nfl-team/feed/ 0 Unconventional NFL Offseason Training Videos and Their Intended Benefits https://lwosports.com/2023/06/20/unconventional-nfl-offseason-training-videos-and-their-intended-benefits/ https://lwosports.com/2023/06/20/unconventional-nfl-offseason-training-videos-and-their-intended-benefits/#respond Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:14:55 +0000 https://lwosports.com/?p=61675 The NFL offseason is a time when players focus on improving their skills, strength, and overall performance. In recent years, social media has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at the unconventional training methods employed by some of the league’s biggest stars.

This week we have gotten to see a new Russell Wilson workout video that left many fans wondering what he is doing. Each year a new video comes out making us question its purpose, these videos have always sparked curiosity and raised questions about their effectiveness. So let’s answer the question, “Why?”

Unique Ways to Workout

Russell Wilson: Sliding Catches and Weightlifting

Russell Wilson has become known for his athleticism and ability to extend plays. In this off-season workout video, we see Wilson incorporating sliding while catching and weightlifting into his training routine. The purpose behind these unconventional exercises is to enhance his agility, hand-eye coordination, and overall body control.

By practicing sliding movements while catching snaps, Wilson simulates game situations where he may need to adjust his body position while maintaining control of the football. Sliding on this slippery surface challenges his balance and requires him to react quickly and maintain stability, enhancing his overall agility and footwork.

Additionally, incorporating weightlifting into this exercise adds an extra challenge. Lifting weights while sliding forces Wilson to generate power and explosiveness from an unstable position. This can help him develop core strength, stability, and overall body control, which are crucial for quarterbacks to make accurate throws and maintain control of the ball in challenging game situations.

Alvin Kamara: Jeep-Pulling Squat Rack

Alvin Kamara, the star running back for the New Orleans Saints, caught the attention of fans in the 2018 offseason with this jaw-dropping workout video. After winning the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kamara was lifting a squat rack loaded with two 45lbs weights while simultaneously pulling a jeep by his waist. This unique exercise aims to develop his lower body strength, explosive power, and core stability.

By combining resistance training with unconventional strength-building movements, Kamara challenges his muscles and central nervous system in new and demanding ways. The jeep-pulling element adds a dynamic and functional component, simulating the resistance encountered during bursts of speed and tackling attempts. This intense workout helps Kamara enhance his ability to break tackles and maintain balance while carrying the ball.

Jameis Winston: Towel-Throwing Antics

This list wouldn’t be complete without off-season workout extraordinaire, Jameis Winston.  The charismatic quarterback for the New Orleans Saints has garnered a lot of attention for his interesting approach to off-season training. In this video that went viral, Winston is seen mimicking a throwing motion with a towel in his hand instead of a football. While it may appear unconventional, this exercise serves a purpose in developing his grip strength, hand dexterity, and wrist mobility.

By throwing a towel, Winston challenges his hand and wrist muscles to generate force and control the movement. This exercise helps improve his ability to grip and release the football with accuracy and power. Additionally, it can assist in preventing hand and wrist injuries by strengthening the muscles involved in ball handling. Moving his feet while doing this also adds to his footwork, the dog is a fun added touch.

Main Image:  Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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]]> https://lwosports.com/2023/06/20/unconventional-nfl-offseason-training-videos-and-their-intended-benefits/feed/ 0 The SEC as One Division: A Win-Win for Fans and the Conference https://lwosports.com/2023/06/14/the-sec-as-one-division-a-win-win-for-fans-and-the-conference/ https://lwosports.com/2023/06/14/the-sec-as-one-division-a-win-win-for-fans-and-the-conference/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:00:26 +0000 https://lwosports.com/?p=61526

The sports world was rocked with excitement when the news broke that the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma would be joining the Southeastern Conference in 2024. As the SEC expands its membership, it presents an opportune moment for the conference to reconsider its East and West division structure. Transitioning into a one-division system, instead of the current two-division format, could bring numerous benefits to both the fans and the conference as a whole.

How to Make the Best Conference Even Better

Enhanced Competition and Rivalries

One of the primary advantages of a one-division setup is the potential for increased competition and the revival of historic rivalries. In the current two-division system, fans are often left yearning for matchups between teams that don’t meet regularly due to being in separate divisions. By eliminating divisions, all teams will have the opportunity to play each other on a more frequent basis. This change would ensure that storied rivalries, like Alabama vs. Auburn and Georgia vs. Florida, are preserved and reignited, creating an electric atmosphere that fans crave.

Furthermore, a one-division SEC would foster new rivalries as well. The addition of Texas and Oklahoma will undoubtedly bring fresh excitement and intense matchups against existing SEC powerhouses. The prospect of seeing legendary programs like Alabama, Texas, LSU, Tennessee, and Oklahoma competing regularly can only enhance the quality of play and fan engagement, making for must-watch games and thrilling moments.

Increased Flexibility and Fairness in Scheduling

In a two-division system, scheduling can often become unbalanced, leading to disparities in the strength of the competition faced by different teams. A one-division format would address this issue, as all teams would play against each other each season. This equal distribution of opponents ensures fairness and gives each team an equal chance to prove their mettle against the entire conference.

Moreover, a single-division setup enables greater scheduling flexibility, making it easier to accommodate non-conference matchups against other Power Five programs. This flexibility allows for more exciting inter-conference showdowns, generating buzz and boosting the SEC’s reputation as the premier conference in college football. With a wider array of high-profile matchups, fans can look forward to a season filled with unforgettable clashes and top-notch football.

Potential for a New Conference Championship Format

During a recent episode of the popular “Busin with the Boys” podcast, Tennessee Head Coach and former Oklahoma quarterback, Josh Heupel was asked by co-host and former Nebraska Cornhusker, Will Compton, how he would change the College Football Playoff (CFP). Heupel’s response took everyone by surprise: “Take the top four teams from the SEC and let them battle it out.” This suggestion was regarded as “ridiculous” by the BIG 10 alumni hosts, Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, and fans alike. Heupel countered with a simple question: “Is it really?” Although the CFP will likely never adopt an all-SEC format, the SEC as a conference could consider a similar approach.

Under the current two-division format, the SEC Championship Game features the winners of the Eastern and Western divisions competing against each other. While this has resulted in thrilling contests in the past, it also means that the conference champion might not necessarily be the team with the best overall record. By transitioning to a one-division structure, the SEC could introduce a new conference championship format that is simpler and more transparent. Similar to basketball, there would be a regular season champion and then a four-team tournament to crown the SEC champion.

Imagine a scenario where the top four SEC teams battle it out in a highly-anticipated championship tournament. The intensity and excitement would be unparalleled, as each game would feature powerhouse programs facing off against one another. This format would captivate fans and show the true dominance of the SEC. Take out a regular season game if needed to fit it into the schedule. This would ultimately be just as great for the conference as it would be for the fans due to two more primetime games leading to more tickets, merchandise/concessions, and viewership.

Main Image: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

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]]> https://lwosports.com/2023/06/14/the-sec-as-one-division-a-win-win-for-fans-and-the-conference/feed/ 0 3 Times NFL Offseason Overreactions Didn’t Come True https://lwosports.com/2023/06/06/3-times-nfl-offseason-overreactions-didnt-come-true/ https://lwosports.com/2023/06/06/3-times-nfl-offseason-overreactions-didnt-come-true/#respond Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:02 +0000 https://lwosports.com/?p=61476 With OTAs underway and Training Camp right around the corner, there have been a lot of big headlines across the league. Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks not being able to hit a wide-open receiver, Sam Darnold‘s spectacular play, and Anthony Richardson looking like the best thing since sliced bread, make us question if these reports will become anything come Week 1. It’s important to remember that off-season performances can often be deceiving.

Here are some reminders that whatever happens during the off-season doesn’t always come to fruition.

NFL Offseason Overreactions Don’t Always Pan Out

Ja’Marr Chase Can’t Catch an NFL-Size Ball

In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals had a bit of controversy when they took a wide receiver over an offensive lineman. They didn’t draft just any regular wideout, though. They drafted the 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner and former LSU teammate of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase.

Other than not drafting a lineman to help with Cincy’s horrible O-line, the pick seemed like the Bengals would be getting a perennial Pro Bowler. However, by the time training camp rolled around, it seemed all hope was lost because of one staggering issue with the rookie receiver: he had a hard time catching the bigger NFL football.

It went from what seemed like a minor rookie growing pain in OTAs to, as Bengals writer James Rapien put it, “Officially Becoming an Issue.” Ja’Marr only had five total drops during his 2019 campaign at LSU and had four drops in just three preseason games alone.

Chase knew it was a problem too, having told reporters, “It doesn’t have the white stripes on the side, so you can’t see the ball coming from the tip point, so you actually have to look for the strings on the ball at the top, which is hard to see because the whole ball is brown and you have the six strings that are white. But for the most part, I just have to get used to it and find out what I am comfortable with catching.”

Being comfortable with catching is exactly what Chase did in his rookie year, as he had 81 receptions on 128 targets for 1,455 yards, an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year trophy, and an AFC Championship trophy. Not too bad for a guy who, during the off-season, couldn’t catch the ball.

The 2015 Carolina Panthers Will Go .500 at Best

The Carolina Panthers came into the 2015-2016 NFL season unhappy with their offseason additions, or at least the fans were. Sports Illustrated gave them a C+ on their off-season report card, and for anyone who has ever brought their math report card back home with a C+, you know that’s not very good.

They had brought in Jarrett Boykin, Charles Tillman, Michael Oher, Kurt Coleman, Ted Ginn Jr., Jonathan Martin, and Jason Trusnik. While this seems to be a big free-agent haul, Coleman was the only guy who seemed to be considered for a starting role.

Carolina did have a good draft, picking up Shaq Thompson and Devin Funchess in the first two rounds, but these additions still didn’t add any excitement to the team’s fanbase. It’s worth mentioning they lost defensive end turned MMA fighter, Greg Hardy, as well. People said that Carolina’s roster was “unfit for the long haul.”

Many fans held out hope for the offense with the rising star Cam Newton at the helm, but the defense was another story. Many believed that their pass rush and secondary would be underwhelming.

Worries about the Panthers lack of a good running back came into play as well. Bleacher Report gave them a preseason prediction of 8-8, while Dan Hope agreed, stating the team would “hover around the .500 mark.”

These remarks and predictions couldn’t have been worse, as the team would go on to win 15 regular-season games and the NFC before losing to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50. The defense was sixth in the league in total yards allowed, and Carolina’s running back Jonathan Stewart was eighth in the league in rushing yards. The 2015 Panthers were also named the second-best team of the 2010s.

Russell Wilson Makes the 2022 Broncos Contenders

Just this past season, the 2022 Denver Broncos had just traded for former Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson. With new head coach Nathaniel Hackett behind the headset and a team that was “a quarterback away,” it seemed as if the nine-time Pro Bowler would come in and readily put the Broncos into the AFC title picture.

He was lighting up the Broncos fanbase with his offseason workout videos, showing up to preseason games rocking his own jersey, and his new catchphrase “Let’s Ride.” Everyone, from the media to fans, and even former players like Derek Wolfe, told the Broncos they got their “missing piece.”

Vegas even bought into the hype, giving Denver anywhere from the fifth to eighth-best odds to win the Lombardi based on the sportsbook. Training camp didn’t stop these claims either, as each day more and more news came out about how well Russell looked in Denver’s offense and how his deep ball was going to be lethal in the Mile High City.

Even the Week 1 homecoming loss to the Seahawks was looked at as a growing pain. However, it was a sign of more to come, as Wilson had his statistically worst season in almost every passing category. The Broncos missed the playoffs instead of winning the Super Bowl and wound up being the fifth-worst team in the league. Russell Wilson might have actually made the Broncos less of a contender.

Main Image: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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