London’s calling the New York Jets
With respect to Paul McCartney, “Jet” has taken on a whole new meaning in the United Kingdom.
The NFL’s new International Home Marketing Area initiative has made the U.K. a “second home” for the New York Jets, which will expand the team’s European presence. The Jets are sharing the area with Chicago, Jacksonville, Miami, Minnesota, and San Francisco.
Under the IHMA program, the NFL is looking to leave a larger footprint overseas, which guarantees that each team will play at least one international game every eight years. New York partook in the most recent series of European regular-season games, battling the Atlanta Falcons in London back in October.
Team owner Woody Johnson previously served as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom under President Donald Trump (2017-21).
“We are thrilled to have been awarded the United Kingdom bid as the Jets continue to expand our global footprint,” Johnson said in a statement from the team. “As a country with a deep and rich culture of sporting greatness, the United Kingdom has been our clear top choice throughout this process. After seeing the passion, not only for the NFL but for the Jets during my time there as Ambassador, I knew this would be a wonderful opportunity for our organization to strengthen our roots in the UK and connect with even more new fans. After all, New York and London are sister cities.”
Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, the Jets had already begun to expand their foreign activities, launching a UK-centered social media channel earlier this fall. Under this new plan, the Jets will host watch parties, fan events, and partner activations overseas and collaborate with local influencers and brands.
Former offensive lineman Nick Mangold has also been named the team’s “Jets Legend Ambassador.”
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“International marketing clearly represents an enormous growth opportunity for both the NFL and Jets. We are excited to showcase our players and coaches and their personalities in the United Kingdom,” Jets President Hymie Elhai said in the aforementioned statement. “Through grassroots programs, unique in-market activations, and strategic partnerships, we are excited to build upon our fanbase in the UK and look forward to establishing longstanding relationships.”
Offensive stars Michael Carter and Elijah Moore commemorated the new international partnership on their respective Twitter accounts.
UK FANS I LOVEE YOU , WE LOVEE YOU!
LETS GROW !
@NYJetsinUK pic.twitter.com/TyAYtKnABa— Michael Carter (@8kMike) December 15, 2021
We got so much love for our fans across da pondddd
UK fam what up?!
let’s get it UK jet fans!! 💚@NYJetsinUK pic.twitter.com/HvzFjY2dQd
— Elijah Moore (@e_moore03) December 15, 2021
The Jets (3-10) return to action on Sunday afternoon…in America…against the Miami Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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