The Detroit Lions are gearing up for an exciting journey to Germany this fall. As part of the NFL's nine-game international series, the Lions will host a game at FC Bayern Munich Stadium in Munich. While the opponent and game details are still under wraps, fans can expect the full schedule to be unveiled soon.
This marks the Lions' return to international play since their back-to-back London appearances in 2014-15, where they narrowly edged out the Atlanta Falcons and faced a tough loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose mother hails from Germany, has expressed his enthusiasm for playing in Germany.
Fluent in German, St. Brown has even joked about the number of tickets his family might need, highlighting the personal significance of this game.
The NFL is expanding its global footprint, with Commissioner Roger Goodell aiming for 16 international games each season. This fall, games are also scheduled in Australia, Brazil, England, France, Mexico, and Spain. The Lions, along with other teams, are broadening their international presence through the NFL's Global Markets Program, with marketing rights in several countries, including Germany.
St. Brown's popularity in Germany has been a driving force behind the Lions' international marketing efforts. He hosts an annual football camp in Germany, and the team has introduced a German mascot, "Leo Löwe," to connect with fans overseas.
The Lions' home schedule this year is packed with exciting matchups against NFC North rivals like the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings, as well as games against the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and the AFC champion New England Patriots.
With the Saints already set to play in Paris, the Lions' upcoming game in Munich is part of a broader strategy to bring NFL action to fans around the world. The league's vision is clear: making football a truly global sport, with teams like the Lions leading the charge.