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Although the United States is a nation of newcomers, the NFL is largely dominated by American-born players. Only 5% of participants are foreign-born, and most of them step into the game by going to college in the United States. Genuine international figures are rare, and foreign coaches are particularly rare, which makes James Cook’s story exceptional.

James Cook’s Surprising Path to the NFL

For the past six months, Cook has been in charge of player development at the Browns organization. This is an achievement in itself, but it’s extraordinary considering he was raised in England, is in his twenties, and did not played pro sports. Cook discovered the NFL as a 12-year-old while surfing channels with his dad and came across what he described as a “weird and wonderful” game. He began participating locally and quickly aspired to become the first NFL quarterback born in Europe. He progressed to representing Great Britain, but his dreams to go to college in the US proved too expensive.

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

This is where he encountered Durde, who had periods with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days before he established the International Player Pathway program in 2017 with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the coaching team at the Falcons, making history as the first-ever British permanent coach in NFL history, Cook assumed control of the IPP. “I enjoyed a lot of fun with it, working with some remarkable guys,” he says. “We had Rees-Zammit; Clayton, who got drafted by the Bills; Charlie Smyth, the kicker from the Emerald Isle who’s now with the New Orleans. I traveled to Down Under to train aspiring athletes from across the Pacific to introduce them to the US college system, similar to what I wanted to do.”

Making the Leap to NFL Coaching

Similar to Durde before him, Cook made the jump from working with foreign players to coaching in the NFL. “Cleveland called unexpectedly,” he says. “They had a hybrid role assisting younger players, maximising efficiency on the training ground, working closely with medical staff, the head coach and GM. It’s a very active role, which is ideal for me. My background was working with international athletes who had not played the game. First-year rookies also have to build habits and routines: learning to look after their health and deal with a massive playbook. But also just being present for guys. That’s the identical everywhere. And I love that.”

Is being an Brit who never play in the NFL a disadvantage? “It’s more of a perceived hurdle than an real one,” states Cook. “I get a lot of Lasso-style jokes and many players call me ‘mate’ as they love that. It’s more about checking myself. I say ‘trash can’ not ‘bin’. But we get nervous or under pressure about the similar things and need support in the identical ways. If players understand you can help them, they aren’t concerned where you’re from or what accent. And when people realize that you care, all the rest melts away.”

Benefits of Being Beyond the US System

Originating from outside the American football world has its advantages. “I spoke in front of the whole squad soon after joining, and, as we walked out, one of our linemen asked me about rugby with me as he loves it. You make those connections and build relationships. People are genuinely curious. NFL buildings are more diverse than people think. We have people from all sorts of backgrounds, a range of experiences. Our mantra at IPP was: ‘Stand out – you are unique so lean into it.’ It’s something to be proud of.”

The NFL has been more successful at attracting foreign fans than developing foreign players. Mailata, a former rugby league player from Sydney who claimed the Super Bowl recently with the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few IPP graduates to have risen to the very top.

International Athletes and Their Journeys

International athletes have typically been specialists, brought in from different sports. Bobby Howfield exchanged playing up front for Watford and Fulham for becoming a kicker for the Broncos and Jets; Luckhurst graduated from rugby union in England to the Falcons roster. If you aren’t aiming to be a special teams player and did not trained in the US college system, it’s extremely difficult to advance to the NFL.

Oyelola, a Londoner who played for Chelsea’s academy before finding American football at university, has made that step. He competed in the CFL for the Blue Bombers before taking his talents to the Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Maximilian Pircher’s experience is equally improbable. At 6ft 7in and 23 stone, the from Italy was clearly not built for his favoured sports, soccer and the sport, so started American football in his teenage years. He stood out while representing teams in Austria and Germany, as well as the national side, and was given a spot on the IPP in that year.

The following year, he held the Vince Lombardi Trophy as a part of the LA Rams training team. Pircher subsequently had spells on the periphery at the Lions, Seattle Seahawks and Commanders, before he signed with the Minnesota Vikings at the end of August. He has been well-liked in every locker room but is hasn’t had game time on the gridiron. Is being a international player still a challenge?

“It isn’t difficult, not a barrier,” says the player. “We have players from various regions, so it isn’t an issue. Initially, they inquire: ‘You got an accent – where are you from?’ But, once we clarify that, we’re teammates. The Minnesota have a very inclusive culture, a excellent team, a top franchise.”

Despite spending most of practice with his fellow linemen, Pircher has immersed himself in the team dynamics at his teams. “Obviously the offensive line is always very tight because we are a group and altogether one, but we have friends from all positions. My close friend, Landen Akers – my best man, actually – was a wide receiver at the LA. The long snapper from the Packers, Matt 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 supportive.”

Inspiring the Future

Pircher is aware he represents not only Italy and Austria. “In my view all the countries outside the US. The more successful each one of us does, the more youth who participate in Italy, in Germany, wherever, can see: ‘It can be done – if I dedicate myself consistently, I can succeed.’ I have a many kids hitting me up, seeking tips. It’s rewarding to inspire them to experience what I’ve experienced.”

The program alumni are welcomed to the US each year to coach the new group of aspiring NFL outsiders. “Virtually everyone of us come back