London has quickly become the Jaguars’ second home. They returned to the UK for two games in October and are the NFL’s most frequent flyers. Since 2013, the Jags have been coming over regularly, and British fans have adopted them as their team. With NFL fandom growing in the UK, the Jags’ repeat visits have turned these London games into a must-see event, generating huge crowds and keeping fans are buzzing for weeks in advance. Regardless of whether they’re attending the games themselves or just following them online and even betting on top sportsbook apps – fans are engaged.
The Jags started their London run at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Chicago Bears on October 13. This game had fans on their feet for every play as two former No. 1 draft picks went head to head – Trevor Lawrence and Caleb Williams.
Bears and Jaguars: Tottenham produces a Thriller
The first game was all about Caleb Williams, the top pick of 2024, who arrived in London with so much hype. From the start, Williams showed British fans why he’s been making headlines around the league. After a slow start, Williams found his rhythm, throwing four touchdowns and leading Chicago to a 35-16 win. Williams showed precision and resilience, bouncing back from an interception early in the game to lead his team to a big win.
But Trevor Lawrence wasn’t about to be ignored. The Jags QB showed his trademark toughness, scoring two touchdowns and keeping his team in the game. But for Lawrence and the Jags it was a tough ask. They couldn’t catch up to Williams who made the clutch plays to keep Chicago ahead. 61,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw the rookie QB become a new London hero.
Wembley Redemption: Jags Pounce on the Patriots
The Jags’ London adventure didn’t stop there. A week later, they moved across town to Wembley Stadium to face the New England Patriots. This time the Jags came out with a lot more fire in their belly, eager to give their British fans something to cheer about. Wembley had a record 86,651 fans in attendance, all waiting for a Jags comeback and this time they got it.
Patriots were up 10-0 and both teams were 1-5 so the pressure was on. Jaguars coach Doug Pederson and QB Trevor Lawrence felt the heat and responded. Lawrence led the comeback and threw 2 TDs to put the Jaguars up. Brian Thomas Jr and Tank Bigsby moved the Jacksonville offense, and Bigsby had 118 yards on 26 carries.
Wembley went wild as Parker Washington took it to the house on a 96-yard punt return, the longest special teams TD in an international NFL game. The momentum shifted big time and Washington scored just before halftime to put the Jags up 22-10.
A New Era for the Patriots and a Sweet Victory for the Jags
For the New England Patriots, this London game was a season of change. With the departure of coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots are rebuilding around rookie QB Drake Maye. Maye had his moments, including a late TD pass to KJ Osborn, but the Pats offense struggled against the Jaguars defense. The Pats had 38 rushing yards while the Jags had 171.
Bigsby’s final TD run sealed the win for the Jags as they beat the Patriots 32-16. Coach Doug Pederson and Lawrence were relieved after the win. “We needed to know what winning felt like again” Pederson told the media. This win not only energized the Jags but also gave the fans an NFL moment to remember as they head back to the States.
London: One of the World’s Great Sports Cities
London is one of the greatest sports cities in the world, a buzzing metropolis where rivalries, championships and cultural events collide. From the iconic arches of Wembley Stadium, where football legends are born, to the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon, which draws tennis fans from every corner of the globe, London has more sports venues and events than anywhere else.
Hosting the Olympics, Premier League, Six Nations rugby and even Formula 1, it shows off its versatility and energy for global sport. For American football, London has become a key destination for the NFL, Brits and international fans flocking to see the spectacle of the game live. This collision of cultures and sports makes London more than a city – it’s a world stage where tradition meets innovation and cements its status as a true global sports capital.
A Win for UK Fans and NFL Expansion
The Jags two London games this season shows the NFL is committed to the European fanbase. These games aren’t just about American football, they’re a full-on cultural event and UK fans are looking forward to them more and more each year. The addition of top sportsbook apps has only added to the excitement as fans can engage with every play and outcome in real time. From Tottenham to Wembley, the Jags brought the NFL fans up close.