These Athletes and Coaches Born Outside in the USA

While the US is a country of newcomers, the NFL is largely dominated by American-born athletes. Just 5% of players are born abroad, and most of them step into the game by going to university in the US. True international figures are rare, and foreign coaches are particularly scarce, which makes James Cook’s story exceptional.

Cook’s Unlikely Path to the NFL

Cook has been in charge of athlete growth at the Browns organization. That’s an accomplishment in itself, but it’s extraordinary given he grew up in England, is in his twenties, and did not participated in pro sports. Cook first saw the NFL as a 12-year-old while surfing channels with his father and came across what he called a “weird and wonderful” game. He began participating in his area and quickly wanted to become the first-ever NFL quarterback from Europe. He progressed to representing Team GB, but his plans to attend university in the US proved financially prohibitive.

“I was scooping popcorn, cleaning seats, making burgers, doing a bit of everything. Whenever the NFL guys wanted me, I would switch my schedule and help out. Being a quarterback, the one thing I had was I could throw. So when they worked out with players, I’d appear all over London and toss the ball to them. I didn’t get paid, but they’d usually buy me lunch.”

This is where he met Durde, who had periods with the Panthers and Chiefs during his career before he established the International Player Pathway programme in that year with two-time Super Bowl winner Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the staff at the Falcons, becoming the first UK permanent coach in NFL history, Cook assumed control of the IPP. “I enjoyed a lot of fun with it, coaching some remarkable guys,” he says. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Clayton, who was selected by the Bills; Charlie Smyth, the kicker from the Emerald Isle who’s now with the New Orleans. I traveled to Australia to work with aspiring athletes from across the Pacific region to get them into the US college system, like what I had hoped to do.”

Transitioning to NFL Coaching

Like Durde before him, Cook made the jump from working with international athletes to joining the NFL. “The Browns called out of the blue,” he says. “They had a multi-faceted position assisting rookies, maximising efficiency on the practice field, working closely with physios, the head coach and general manager. It’s a really hands-on role, which is perfect for me. My background was guiding players from abroad who had not played the sport. Rookie newcomers also have to build habits and routines: learning to look after their health and deal with a massive playbook. But also just being available for guys. That’s the same everywhere. And I love that.”

Does being an Englishman who never compete in the NFL a disadvantage? “It’s more of a perceived barrier than an real one,” states Cook. “I’ve had a lot of reverse Ted Lasso comments and loads of players refer to me as ‘mate’ as they love that. It’s more about monitoring my language. I say ‘garbage can’ not ‘bin’. But we feel anxious or stressed about the similar things and require support in the identical ways. If players understand you can assist them, they aren’t concerned where you’re from or how you speak. And when people know that you care, all the rest fades.”

Benefits of Coming From Beyond the NFL Bubble

Originating from beyond the American football world has its upsides. “I spoke in front of the entire team very early on, and, as we left, one of our offensive linemen wanted to talk rugby with me as he enjoys it. You build those bonds and build relationships. Teammates are truly curious. NFL organizations are more diverse than people think. We have staff from various backgrounds, a variety of experiences. Our mantra at IPP was: ‘Be uncommon – you are different so lean into it.’ It’s something to celebrate.”

The NFL has been better at producing foreign fans than developing global talent. Jordan Mailata, a ex- rugby league player from Australia who claimed the Super Bowl recently with the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few IPP players to have made it to the very top.

Foreign Players and Their Paths

International athletes have typically been kickers, brought in from other football codes. Bobby Howfield swapped playing up front for Watford and Fulham for becoming a placekicker for the Broncos and Jets; Luckhurst transitioned from rugby union in England to the Atlanta Falcons roster. If you aren’t aiming to be a special teams player and did not trained in the US college system, it’s very challenging to advance to the NFL.

Ayo Oyelola, a native of London who was part of Chelsea’s academy before finding the sport at Nottingham University, has achieved that. He played in the Canadian Football League for the Blue Bombers before taking his talents to the Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pircher’s story is equally improbable. At over two meters and heavyweight, the from Italy was clearly not suited for his preferred games, soccer and the sport, so started the NFL in his late teens. He impressed while representing clubs in Europe and Europe, as well as the national side, and was offered a place on the IPP in 2021.

The following year, he held the Vince Lombardi Trophy as a member of the Rams practice squad. Pircher went on to have periods on the fringes at the Lions, Seattle Seahawks and Commanders, before he signed with the Minnesota Vikings at the late summer. He has been well-liked in every locker room but is hasn’t had game time on the field. Is his status as a foreigner still a challenge?

“It’s not really difficult, not an obstacle,” notes the player. “We have players from all different states, so it isn’t an issue. At first, they ask: ‘You speak differently – where are you from?’ But, after we clarify that, we’re all friends. The Minnesota have a very inclusive culture, a great squad, a top franchise.”

Despite devoting the majority of training with his other linemen, Pircher has thrown himself into the team dynamics at his teams. “Naturally the O-line is always very tight because we are a unit and altogether one, but we have mates from all positions. My close friend, Landen Akers – my best man, actually – was a receiver at the Rams. The long snapper from the Green Bay, Orzech, is a really good friend: we lived together for two years at the Rams. Quarterbacks, defenders, specialists: we’ve have to be there for each other.”

Inspiring the Future

Pircher is conscious he represents more than just his home countries. “I would say all the countries outside the US. The more successful each one of us does, the greater number of young people who play football in Europe, in Germany, anywhere, can realize: ‘It can be done – if I dedicate myself consistently, I can succeed.’ I have a many kids contacting me, asking for tips. It’s rewarding to encourage them to experience what I’ve experienced.”

The program alumni are all invited to the US annually to coach the next wave of potential NFL internationals. “Virtually everyone of us come back