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Although the US is a country of immigrants, the NFL is still dominated by American-born players. Just 5% of participants are foreign-born, and most of them enter the sport by attending university in the US. True international figures are unusual, and foreign coaches are particularly scarce, which makes James Cook’s story exceptional.

Cook’s Surprising Journey to the League

Cook has been in charge of athlete growth at the Cleveland Browns. That’s an achievement in itself, but it’s incredible considering he was raised in England, is in his twenties, and did not participated in pro sports. Cook first saw the NFL as a teenager while surfing channels with his father and came across what he called a “strange and amazing” sport. He began participating locally and soon wanted to become the first NFL QB from Europe. He got as far as playing for Great Britain, but his plans to go to college in the US were financially prohibitive.

“I scooped popcorn, cleaning seats, making burgers, handling a bit of everything. Any time the NFL people wanted me, I would adjust my shifts and assist. As a quarterback, the one thing I had was I could pass. So when they worked out with players, I’d appear around London and toss the ball to them. I wasn’t paid, but they’d usually get me lunch.”

This is where he encountered Durde, who had stints with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his career before he established the IPP program in 2017 with two-time championship winner Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the staff at the Falcons, becoming the first British permanent coach in NFL history, Cook took over the IPP. “I enjoyed a lot of fun with it, working with some remarkable players,” he says. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Clayton, who got drafted by Buffalo; Charlie Smyth, the kicker from Ireland who’s now with the Saints. I traveled to Down Under to work with aspiring athletes from across the Pacific to get them into the US college system, similar to what I wanted to do.”

Making the Leap to NFL Coaching

Similar to Durde before him, Cook transitioned from training international athletes to coaching in the NFL. “Cleveland called unexpectedly,” he explains. “They had a hybrid role supporting rookies, maximising efficiency on the practice field, working closely with physios, the coach and GM. It’s a very hands-on role, which is ideal for me. My background was working with international athletes who had not played the sport. Rookie rookies also have to establish structure and schedules: how to take care of their body and handle a massive playbook. But also just being present for players. That’s the same across the board. And I love that.”

Does being an Englishman who never compete in the NFL a disadvantage? “It’s largely a perceived hurdle than an real one,” says Cook. “I get a lot of reverse Ted Lasso comments and loads of players call me ‘bruv’ as they love that. It’s more about checking myself. I use ‘trash can’ not ‘bin’. But we get nervous or stressed about the similar things and need support in the same ways. If players understand you can help them, they don’t care where you’re from or how you speak. And when people realize that you care, all the other stuff melts away.”

Benefits of Coming From Outside the US System

Originating from outside the American football world has its advantages. “I spoke in front of the whole squad very early on, and, as we left, one of our offensive linemen wanted to talk the sport with me as he loves it. You build those bonds and form friendships. People are genuinely curious. NFL buildings are more diverse than people think. We have staff from all sorts of origins, a range of experiences. Our mantra at IPP was: ‘Stand out – you are unique so embrace it.’ It’s something to be proud of.”

The NFL has been more successful at producing international supporters than nurturing global talent. Mailata, a ex- rugby player from Sydney who claimed the Super Bowl recently with the Eagles, is one of the few IPP players to have made it to the elite level.

International Athletes and Their Paths

International athletes have usually been kickers, recruited from different sports. Howfield exchanged soccer for Watford and Fulham for becoming a kicker for the Denver Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst transitioned from rugby in St Albans to the Falcons team. If you aren’t aiming to be a special teams player and were not educated in the US college system, it’s very challenging to advance to the NFL.

Ayo Oyelola, a Londoner who played for Chelsea’s youth team before finding the sport at Nottingham University, has achieved that. He played in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before taking his talents to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Steelers.

Maximilian Pircher’s story is equally improbable. At over two meters and heavyweight, the Italian was obviously not suited for his favoured sports, football and handball, so started the NFL in his late teens. He stood out while representing clubs in Austria and Germany, as well as the national side, and was given a place on the IPP in 2021.

A year later, he had his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy as a part of the LA Rams practice squad. Pircher went on to have periods on the periphery at the Detroit Lions, Seahawks and Washington Commanders, before he joined the Vikings at the late summer. He has been popular in each team but is yet to see game time on the gridiron. Is being a foreigner still a hurdle?

“It isn’t difficult, not an obstacle,” notes the 26-year-old. “We have players from all different states, so it isn’t an issue. Initially, they ask: ‘You got an accent – what’s your background?’ But, once we clarify that, we’re all friends. The Minnesota have a very welcoming environment, a excellent squad, a top organization.”

Despite spending the majority of practice with his other offensive linemen, Pircher has immersed himself in the team dynamics at his clubs. “Naturally the offensive line is always very tight because we are a unit and united, but we have friends from all positions. My best friend, Landen Akers – my best man, actually – played receiver at the LA. The specialist from the Packers, Orzech, is a close pal: we shared a home for two years at the LA Rams. QBs, defenders, special teams: we’ve got to be there for each other.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Pircher is aware he symbolizes more than just his home countries. “In my view all the countries outside the US. The more successful every IPP graduate performs, the more young people who participate in Europe, in Europe, anywhere, can realize: ‘It can be done – if I put the work in every day, I can get somewhere.’ I have a many kids hitting me up, seeking tips. It’s rewarding to inspire them to pursue what I’ve experienced.”

The program alumni are all invited to the US each year to train the new group of potential NFL internationals. “Almost all of us come back