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Although the United States is a country of newcomers, the National Football League is still led by American-born players. Just five percent of players are foreign-born, and the majority of them step into the game by going to college in the US. Genuine outsiders are unusual, and foreign coaches are particularly rare, which renders James Cook’s journey remarkable.

Cook’s Surprising Path to the League

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 late 20s, and never played pro sports. Cook discovered the NFL as a teenager while surfing channels with his dad and stumbled upon what he called a “strange and amazing” game. He began participating locally and quickly wanted to become the first-ever NFL QB from Europe. He progressed to playing for Great Britain, but his plans to go to college in the US were too expensive.

“I scooped popcorn, wiping seats, making burgers, doing a bit of everything. Whenever the NFL guys wanted me, I would adjust my schedule and help out. Being a quarterback, the one thing I had was I could pass. So when they trained with players, I’d show up around London and toss the ball to them. I didn’t get paid, but they’d often buy me lunch.”

It was here that he met Aden Durde, who had stints with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days before he established the IPP programme in that year with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the coaching team at the Atlanta Falcons, making history as the first-ever UK permanent coach in NFL history, Cook took over the IPP. “I had a lot of fun with it, coaching some remarkable guys,” he recalls. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Clayton, who was selected by the Bills; Charlie Smyth, the kicker from the Emerald Isle who’s now with the Saints. I went to Down Under to train aspiring athletes from across the Pacific to introduce them to the US college system, like what I had hoped to do.”

Transitioning to NFL Coaching

Similar to his predecessor before him, Cook transitioned from training foreign players to joining the NFL. “Cleveland called out of the blue,” he explains. “They had a hybrid role assisting rookies, optimizing efficiency on the training ground, collaborating with physios, the head coach and GM. It’s a very hands-on role, which is ideal for me. My background was guiding international athletes who had never played the sport. Rookie rookies also have to establish habits and schedules: learning to look after their health 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.”

Does being an Brit who did not play in the NFL a disadvantage? “It’s more of a perceived hurdle than an actual one,” says Cook. “I’ve had a lot of Lasso-style comments and loads of players call me ‘bruv’ as they like that. It’s more about checking myself. I use ‘trash can’ not ‘bin’. But we get nervous or under pressure about the same things and require help in the same ways. If players know you can help them, they don’t care about your origin or how you speak. And when people know that you care, all the other stuff fades.”

Benefits of Coming From Outside the US System

Coming from outside the NFL bubble has its upsides. “I addressed in front of the entire team very early on, and, as we walked out, one of our linemen asked me about the sport with me as he loves it. You make those connections and build relationships. People are truly intrigued. NFL organizations are varied than people think. We have staff from various origins, a range of upbringings. Our saying at IPP was: ‘Be uncommon – you are unique so embrace it.’ It’s something to be proud of.”

The NFL has been more successful at attracting foreign fans than developing foreign players. Jordan Mailata, a ex- rugby player from Sydney who claimed the championship earlier this year with the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few IPP players to have risen to the very top.

Foreign Athletes and Their Journeys

Foreign players have usually been specialists, brought in from different sports. Howfield swapped playing up front for Watford and Fulham for becoming a kicker for the Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst graduated from rugby union in St Albans to the Falcons roster. If you do not want to be a kicker and were not educated in the US college system, it’s extremely difficult to advance to the NFL.

Oyelola, a native of London who was part of Chelsea’s academy before finding American football at university, has made that step. He competed in the CFL for the Blue Bombers before moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Steelers.

Pircher’s story is equally unlikely. At 6ft 7in and heavyweight, the Italian was clearly not built for his preferred games, football and the sport, so took up the NFL in his teenage years. He stood out while playing for teams 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 member of the LA Rams training team. Pircher subsequently had periods on the fringes at the Lions, Seahawks and Commanders, before he signed with the Vikings at the end of August. He has been popular in every locker room but is hasn’t had game time on the field. Is his status as a foreigner still a hurdle?

“It isn’t difficult, not a barrier,” notes the 26-year-old. “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 clarify that, we’re all friends. The Vikings have a very inclusive environment, a great squad, a great franchise.”

Although devoting most of practice with his other linemen, Pircher has thrown himself into the social mix at his teams. “Obviously the offensive line is always close-knit because we are a unit and altogether one, but we have mates from every position group. My best friend, Akers – my best man, actually – played receiver at the Rams. The specialist from the Packers, Matt Orzech, is a close pal: we shared a home for two years at the Rams. Quarterbacks, defensive linemen, specialists: we’ve got to be there for each other.”

Motivating the Next Generation

Pircher is conscious he represents more than just his home countries. “In my view all the countries beyond the US. The more successful each one of us does, the greater number of young people who play football in Europe, in Europe, wherever, can see: ‘Oh it is possible – if I dedicate myself consistently, I can get somewhere.’ I have a many youngsters hitting me up, seeking tips. It’s nice to inspire them to pursue what I’ve experienced.”

The IPP graduates are all invited to Florida annually to coach the new group of aspiring NFL outsiders. “Virtually everyone of us return