The Special Relationship

The Special Relationship delves into the fascinating story behind gridiron football's arrival in the United Kingdom. The book chronicles how the sport became popular in Britain, from the first match at Crystal Palace in 1910 to the modern International Series. It also tells the unique stories of each British player who has competed in the NFL.

---

The Special Relationship: The History of American Football in the United Kingdom charts the arrival and development of gridiron football on this side of the Atlantic. This comprehensive account presents the story across three key sections, outlining how and why the sport became so popular in Britain - from the first match at Crystal Palace back in 1910 to the birth of the incredibly popular International Series, which has become a permanent fixture in the NFL regular season. It covers every match played in London from 2007 to 2021, with anecdotes intertwined throughout to bring the deeper NFL history, its greatest players and franchises to life. The book also tells the unique tales of the British players who have played in the NFL, with each player providing special insight into their journey from Britain to the National Football League. The Special Relationship is the captivating story of how the sport arrived on the doorstep of America's great allies - and survived to become the ever-growing presence it is today.