This past weekend, NFL enthusiasts in Europe were treated to a thrilling and historic moment as Frankfurt, Germany, played host to the showdown between two NFL juggernauts: the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs. Beyond U.S. borders, NFL games never fail to ignite a fiery passion and offer a fantastic opportunity for fans from diverse regions to dive headfirst into the exhilaration of American football.
The game itself showcased the clash of two powerhouse NFL teams, each with their ardent and dedicated fan base. The anticipation for this matchup was electric, drawing a crowd to Frankfurt, not just from Europe but also welcoming numerous enthusiastic travelling fans from the United States.
The stadium pulsed with energy, offering German fans a rare and remarkable chance to witness live NFL action up close, making it an experience they’ll cherish for years to come.
The weekend’s festivities weren’t limited to the game alone; they included an array of fan-centric activities and celebrations, emphasizing the universal appeal of the NFL and the sport of American football.
These international games go beyond merely promoting the sport; they serve as bridges for cultural exchange, fostering unity among fans from every corner of the globe, and creating a significant and unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
Notably, Sunday’s game, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs’ impressive 21-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, drew a staggering viewership of 9.6 million viewers across TV and digital platforms, making it the most-watched NFL Network International game on record, reaffirming the global enthusiasm for American football.
The 2023 International Games will come to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, November 12, at 9:30 a.m. ET, featuring the face-off between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, also hosted in Frankfurt, exclusively available on NFL Network, with streaming options on various devices through NFL+.
The game itself saw the Kansas City Chiefs maintain a commanding 21-point lead in the first half to secure the victory in the first-ever regular season game held in Frankfurt, Germany.
The match lived up to its promise of fireworks, even without relying on two of the league’s most talked-about offences to light things up.
This game had been anticipated as a potential AFC Championship Game preview, and it certainly lived up to that assessment.
Tua Tagovailoa connected with Cedrick Wilson for a 31-yard touchdown, sparking a spirited comeback effort for the Miami Dolphins. Raheem Mostert’s 13-yard touchdown run capitalized on an unnecessary roughness call against the Chiefs, giving the Dolphins hope. The drive had been set in motion by Bradley Chubb’s forced fumble, creating a buzz on the Dolphins’ sideline as momentum swung their way.
However, the Chiefs defence came up big, with 2020 undrafted free agent Tershawn Wharton sacking Tagovailoa for a loss of 11 to disrupt the Dolphins’ drive.
The Dolphins’ hopes were further dampened when Tua overthrew Jaylen Waddle on a deep pass downfield on third-and-27, leading to a punt with just four minutes left to play.
With the Chiefs entering a bye week before their next match against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, and the Dolphins preparing for the Las Vegas Raiders after their own bye week, the excitement and anticipation for NFL action in Europe and beyond remain at an all-time high.
The official attendance was 50,023, but the atmosphere in the stadium was nothing short of electrifying, making it a memorable and boisterous experience for all those lucky enough to be present.
The 2023 International Games conclude on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m. ET with the Indianapolis Colts versus New England Patriots from Frankfurt exclusively on NFL Network and also available to stream across devices on NFL+.