In recent years, the NFL has focused more and more on internationalization and the expansion of various markets. Now the league is taking the next step and creating a title for the International Fan of The Year. The nominees for all 32 teams have been known for a few days. There are several German supporters there.
“NFL International Fan of the Year honors outstanding fans who inspire others with their passion for football and spread their enthusiasm to their family, friends and local community,” the NFL said in a press release.
The award, presented for the first time, is intended to honor fans who “use football as a platform for inspiration and change.”
Fans from six different NFL markets were nominated. In addition to the two European venues Germany and the UK, there are nominees from Mexico, China, Canada and Australia, among others.
Seven fans from Germany have been nominated: Alexandros Swoch (Falcons), David Löbbert (Panthers), Daniel Haas (Browns), Malin Schmidt (Chiefs), Dirk Salfemeier (Patriots), Tobias Starke (Buccaneers) and Magdalena Schampera (Giants).
With seven nominations, Germany performed second best behind Mexico (10) and is ahead of the UK (6), among others.
NFL: Pure surprise among the nominees
“It is fantastic to see the 32 NFL International Fan of the Year nominees from around the world,” said Stephanie Hsiao, vice president, NFL International Marketing. “It’s a testament to the league’s global growth and the passionate enthusiasm for American football and the NFL around the world. We’re excited to spotlight our international fans for the first time this year as part of our Fan of the Year program and can’t wait to celebrate them at the 2024 NFL Draft.”
The teams themselves also put their nominees in the spotlight. For example, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Sebastian Vollmer surprised superfan Dirk with a video call for the New England Patriots.
And Alexandros Swoch from the “Atlanta Falcons Germany” fan club was also surprised by his NFL team and was completely speechless at the honor bestowed on him.