Part of North London became North America on Sunday as British NFL fans and soccer-mad players enjoyed the first of three mini Super Bowls in London as the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Jets 23-17 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
In the NFL’s 37th game in London, and its ninth at the home of Premier League soccer club Tottenham Hotspur, the Vikings extended their impressive start to the season by improving to 5-0. The Jets (2-3), meanwhile, dropped their second straight game.
The Vikings’ Andrew Van Ginkel returned an interception for a touchdown and C.J. Ham added a score on the ground. Sam Darnold completed 14 of 31 passes for 179 yards and an interception for Minnesota (5-0). Justin Jefferson had six catches for 92 yards to lead the team.
The Vikings jumped out to a 17-0 lead before the Jets pulled within one score late in the fourth quarter. But with 49 seconds remaining and deep in Minnesota territory, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ pass on third down was intercepted by Stephon Gilmore to seal the win for the Vikings.
The games in London have grown in significance over the past 17 years, especially with contests being played at the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the United States.
Tottenham’s stadium, which opened in 2019, has an NFL playing surface underneath its retractable soccer pitch as well as dedicated locker rooms for players and cheerleaders. But it was the soccer pedigree of the location, Tottenham was formed in 1882, that impressed some of the players.
“It was crazier than I thought,” Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard told reporters. “I’ve never been here before. We love it. The support has been amazing. I can’t say enough about everything about this place.”
“I’m a big soccer fan, so playing in the stadium, I’m definitely honored and I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life.”
Although games in London are now a regular-season fixture, the NFL beefed up the pregame and halftime shows this time and added more activities around the stadium that fans were able to enjoy before kickoff on a cloudy day.
All the classic elements of the American sports experience were on display, from cheerleaders to kisscams and free t-shirts being launched into the stands. Activities and bar takeovers also took place across London in the days leading up to the game as the league continues to try and cement its place in other countries.
Perhaps most significant was the fact that unlike in previous years where fans of all NFL teams would be seen around the stadium, on Sunday, the venue was mostly filled with Vikings fans in their purple jerseys, and a healthy contingent of white-shirted Jets fans.
The Vikings are the seventh-most popular franchise in Britain, according to a recent poll by British data company YouGov, and the fact so many filled the stadium shows a more dedicated, hardcore following is developing in the region.
“I think it goes back to the Vikings atmosphere at home,” Van Ginkel said. “We kind of got that sense here with the ‘Skol’ chant. It’s the best atmosphere, and when you get a crowd like that going and get them hyped, it’s exciting.”]
The NFL is not done in London this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Chicago Bears at the same venue next weekend. The Jaguars then face the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 20.