FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts – The New England Patriots are set to make their London debut this weekend as they prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. This game is part of the NFL’s growing International Series, which has been bringing American football to fans across the globe since 2007.
Quarterback Drake Maye is excited for his first starting appearance in the NFL, a milestone he’s looking forward to, especially considering the significance of the game taking place outside of the United States. Earlier this week, during a media session, Maye encouraged football fans in England to support the Patriots.
“First off, I think it comes with the team name, New England. I think it’s easy for UK fans to be attracted to that,” Maye said, referencing how the team’s name connects with the region. The rookie, who previously played for North Carolina, also mentioned the Patriots’ “pretty sweet” color scheme and expressed optimism regarding the franchise’s future.
Maye noted, “Our colors represent a lot of different things. And from there, I’m excited for the team. We’re going to come up, and we’ve got a lot of great seasons ahead.” His enthusiasm comes as the Patriots look to improve their standing, having entered the matchup with a 1-5 record.
The Patriots’ history dates back to 1959 when they were originally named the Boston Patriots. The team has strong ties to the American struggle for independence, with their name symbolizing the spirit of the colonists who rebelled against British rule. The franchise has gone through many changes but has remained a staple in the NFL scene.
This game also marks another opportunity for the league to showcase American football to an international audience, with London games offering fans a unique viewing experience. As the Patriots gear up for their matchup on Sunday, Maye and the team are looking to turn their season around.