The NFL returned to London as the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars took the field at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Typically home to the English national team and other big-time soccer matchups, the famous venue has hosed the National Football League‘s international series over the last few years.
The game is one of very few opportunities for fans overseas to watch the highest level of American football on their own soil. They show up early, regardless of who is playing, and keep the energy high throughout all four quarters.
Many of the fans do not cheer for either team. Some of them are fans of other teams and want to watch a game while they have the chance.
For example:
Others do not care about the sport at all, but want to check it out. The NFL hopes that their experience will convert them into fans moving forward.
Regardless of where their allegiance lies, the British make the most of the game. And as is tradition with American sporting events, Neil Diamond’s smash hit ‘Sweet Caroline’ always gets the people going.
There are very few things that white people love more than chanting “BUM BUM BUMMMMM” during the chorus. It never fails. Even in London!
As the game moved from the third to the fourth quarter, Diamond started to play over the loudspeakers. The scene was incredible as all 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium joined voice to belt out Sweet Caroline together.
They refused to stop. The fourth quarter began with a quick pass out to Jacksonville tight end Evan Engram that went for a big gain. The song stopped playing throughout the stadium before the snap.
London fans did not care that it went silent. They continued to belt it out, even as the next play began.
Their singing did not stop, even as Engram scampered for a first down. They were in full voice until the next play after that!
The vibes were just as high during the singing of Sweet Carolina in 2022 as well.
In the end — British or American, soccer or football — Neil Diamond is the great unifier. There can be no hate when Sweet Caroline is being sung!