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The Green Bay Packers have yet to participate in the NFL's International Series, the games the league holds in the United Kingdom in order to expand American football's appeal overseas. This morning, the league announced its three UK games for the 2016 and the Packers are nowhere to be found on the schedule:
Three games, a new stadium & AT LEAST 3 new teams. 2016 International Series Schedule https://t.co/znXTzNzQZB #NFLUK pic.twitter.com/NW3sL0NTxC
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) November 25, 2015
Teams of Green Bay's popularity rarely play on foreign turf, as neither the organization nor the teams they play care to give up the revenue associated with hosting the Packers, whose fans always travel well. Last offseason, reports surfaced that the Jacksonville Jaguars would "host" Green Bay at Wembley. The rumors was quickly shot down, as the Jags could expect to easily sell out that matchup in their home stadium rather than ship it to London where the game sells out regardless. Packers president Mark Murphy echoed those thoughts later on.
Still, for the NFL to grow its game internationally, the flagship franchises must eventually bite the bullet. That means that the Packers, who rank among the most popular teams in American sports, will probably end up playing in the UK eventually.
While domestic fans may not love the idea of Green Bay crossing the pond for a football game, Aaron Rodgers feels otherwise. Back in May, the quarterback said he "would love to play in Wembley."
Unfortunately for Rodgers, it appears he will have to wait at least another year for his wish to come true.