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Although the US is a nation of immigrants, the National Football League is still dominated by American-born athletes. Just 5% of participants are foreign-born, and most of them enter the sport by attending college in the United States. Genuine outsiders are rare, and foreign coaches are especially scarce, which makes James Cook’s story exceptional.

Cook’s Unlikely Journey to the NFL

Cook has been in control of athlete growth at the Cleveland Browns. This is an achievement in itself, but it’s extraordinary considering he grew up in Surrey, is in his late 20s, and never participated in professional sport. Cook discovered the NFL as a teenager while surfing channels with his dad and came across what he described as a “weird and wonderful” sport. He started playing in his area and quickly wanted to become the first NFL quarterback born in Europe. He progressed to representing Team GB, but his plans to go to university in the US proved too expensive.

“I scooped popcorn, wiping seats, flipping burgers, handling a bit of everything. Any time the NFL guys wanted me, I would switch my shifts and assist. Being a quarterback, the key skill I had was I could pass. So when they trained with players, I’d show up around London and throw the ball to them. I wasn’t paid, but they’d usually buy me lunch.”

This is where he met Durde, who had periods with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days before he set up the IPP program in that year with two-time Super Bowl winner Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the staff at the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first UK permanent coach in NFL history, Cook took over the IPP. “I had a lot of fun with it, coaching some really interesting guys,” he recalls. “We had Rees-Zammit; Travis Clayton, who got drafted by the Bills; Smyth, the specialist from Ireland who’s now with the Saints. I went to Down Under to train younger players from around the Pacific to introduce them to the US college system, like what I had hoped to do.”

Transitioning to NFL Coaching

Like Durde before him, Cook transitioned from working with foreign players to coaching in the NFL. “The Browns called unexpectedly,” he says. “They had a hybrid role supporting younger players, optimizing efficiency on the practice field, working closely with medical staff, the coach and GM. It’s a very active role, which is perfect for me. My background was guiding international athletes who had never played the game. Rookie newcomers also have to build habits and schedules: how to take care of their body and deal with a massive game plan. But also just being present for guys. That’s the same across the board. And I love that.”

Is being an Brit who never play in the NFL a disadvantage? “It’s largely a perceived hurdle than an real one,” says Cook. “I’ve had a lot of Lasso-style comments and many players refer to me as ‘mate’ as they love that. It’s more about monitoring my language. I use ‘garbage can’ not ‘bin’. But we feel anxious or stressed about the same things and need support in the same ways. If players know you can assist them, they don’t care about your origin or how you speak. And when people realize that you care, all the rest fades.”

Benefits of Being Outside the NFL Bubble

Originating from outside the NFL bubble has its upsides. “I addressed in front of the entire team soon after joining, and, as we walked out, one of our linemen asked me about the sport with me as he loves it. You build those bonds and form friendships. Teammates are truly curious. NFL buildings are more diverse than people think. We have people from all sorts of backgrounds, a variety of experiences. Our mantra at IPP was: ‘Be uncommon – you are different so embrace it.’ It’s something to celebrate.”

The NFL has been more successful at producing international supporters than developing foreign players. Mailata, a ex- rugby league player from Sydney who claimed the championship earlier this year with the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few IPP graduates to have made it to the elite level.

International Athletes and Their Journeys

International athletes have typically been specialists, brought in from other football codes. Bobby Howfield swapped soccer for English clubs for becoming a kicker for the Denver Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst transitioned from rugby union in England to the Falcons roster. If you do not want to be a kicker and were not trained in the American system, it’s extremely difficult to make the leap to the NFL.

Oyelola, a Londoner who played for Chelsea’s academy before finding the sport at university, has achieved that. He played in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Steelers.

Maximilian Pircher’s experience is just as unlikely. At 6ft 7in and heavyweight, the Italian was clearly not suited for his favoured sports, soccer and handball, so took up American football in his late teens. He stood out while representing clubs in Austria and Europe, as well as the Italy team, and was offered a spot on the IPP in 2021.

The following year, he held the championship trophy as a member of the LA Rams practice squad. Pircher subsequently had periods on the fringes at the Detroit Lions, 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 action on the field. Is his status as a international player still a hurdle?

“It isn’t difficult, not a barrier,” says the player. “We have players from various regions, so it doesn’t really matter. Initially, they inquire: ‘You got an accent – where are you from?’ But, after we have that figured out, we’re all friends. The Vikings have a really inclusive environment, a excellent squad, a top franchise.”

Although devoting most of training with his fellow linemen, Pircher has immersed himself in the team dynamics at his teams. “Obviously the O-line is always close-knit because we are a group and united, but we have friends from every position group. My close friend, Landen Akers – my wedding witness, in fact – played receiver at the Rams. The specialist from the Packers, Matt Orzech, is a close pal: we lived together for two years at the Rams. QBs, defenders, specialists: we’ve have to be there for each other.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Pircher is aware he symbolizes more than just Italy and Austria. “I would say all the countries beyond the US. The more successful every IPP graduate does, the more youth who play football in Italy, in Europe, wherever, can see: ‘It can be done – if I dedicate myself consistently, I can succeed.’ I have a many youngsters hitting me up, seeking tips. It’s rewarding to encourage them to pursue what I’ve experienced.”

The IPP graduates are all invited to Florida annually to train the new group of aspiring NFL internationals. “Virtually everyone of us come back