Phin Phanatic
FanSided

NFL needs to keep close eye on U.K. threats

By Brian Miller

Oct 22, 2016; London, United Kingdom; General view of NFL football with British union jack flag during NFL Fan Rally at the Victoria House prior to game 16 of the NFL International Series between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; London, United Kingdom; General view of NFL football with British union jack flag during NFL Fan Rally at the Victoria House prior to game 16 of the NFL International Series between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NFL has three games being played in London, England next year. The Miami Dolphins are one of those three games. The NFL should starting thinking of moving those games back home.

Recent terrorist attacks in the U.K. have become a problem. At the Ariana Grande concert a month ago a suicide bomber killed concert goers. Not inside the arena but at the exit as fans were leaving. Months before that a van tore through people walking on a bridge.

Last night it occurred again.

London police have been busy as has British intelligence but for the NFL it should be a warning sign. The NFL has made it a point to go all out with their London games and the promotion of such is not just here stateside and in England. It’s a well known event around Europe with fans traveling from many neighboring countries to watch the events.

At some point the NFL has to start thinking about the events and whether or not the patrons and even the teams can be protected. I’m not advocating for the NFL to completely pull out of the U.K. this year or in the future but if attacks abroad continue it’s a real possibility that a suicide attacker could target one of the events, even if it’s not the game.

The week before a game is pretty festive with large groups of people showing up for game rallies and such. Appearances by players and cheerleaders draw large crowds as well and the weekend is a typical NFL fanfest. And that is attractive.

The Dolphins will take on the Saints in week four this year. It’s their third trip to the U.K. in five years and fourth since the series began in 2007. The Dolphins are 1-2 in the those games.

The NFL has an obligation to protect its players and it’s fans and as of today safety is a legitimate concern in the U.K. Again, while I wouldn’t outright cancel the series in London this year, I would make sure I had contingency plans to play the games back home if the attacks on their nation continue.

For now, it’s only a matter of praying for our sisters and brothers across the pond.

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