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Although the United States is a country of immigrants, the NFL is largely dominated by US-born players. Just five percent of participants are born abroad, and most of them enter the game by attending college in the US. Genuine international figures are rare, and coaches from abroad are especially rare, which makes James Cook’s story exceptional.

Cook’s Surprising Path to the League

For the past six months, Cook has been in control of athlete growth at the Browns organization. This is an accomplishment in itself, but it’s extraordinary considering he was raised in England, is in his late 20s, and did not participated in pro sports. Cook first saw the NFL as a teenager while surfing channels with his dad and came across what he called a “strange and amazing” sport. He began participating in his area and soon aspired to become the first-ever NFL QB from Europe. He progressed to representing Great Britain, but his dreams to go to college in the US were too expensive.

“I scooped popcorn, wiping seats, flipping burgers, doing a bit of everything. Whenever the NFL people wanted me, I would adjust my shifts and assist. As a quarterback, the key skill I had was I could throw. So when they trained with players, I’d appear all over London and toss the ball to them. I wasn’t paid, but they’d often get me lunch.”

It was here that he encountered Aden Durde, who had stints with the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days before he set up the International Player Pathway program in 2017 with two-time Super Bowl winner Umenyiora. When Durde joined the staff at the Falcons, becoming the first British full-time coach in NFL annals, Cook took over the IPP. “I had a lot of fun with it, coaching some really interesting guys,” he says. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Clayton, who was selected by the Bills; Smyth, the specialist from Ireland who’s now with the New Orleans. I went to Australia to train aspiring athletes from around the Pacific region to get them into college football, like what I wanted to do.”

Transitioning to NFL Coaching

Similar to Durde before him, Cook made the jump from working with foreign players to coaching in the NFL. “The Browns contacted me unexpectedly,” he explains. “They had a hybrid role supporting rookies, optimizing efficiency on the practice field, working closely with medical staff, the head coach and general manager. It’s a really hands-on role, which is ideal for me. My experience was guiding players from abroad who had never played the game. Rookie rookies also have to build habits and routines: how to take care of their health and handle a huge playbook. But also just being present for players. That’s the same everywhere. And I enjoy that.”

Does being an Brit who did not compete in the NFL hold him back? “It’s largely a perceived barrier than an actual one,” says Cook. “I get a lot of reverse Ted Lasso comments and many players refer to me as ‘mate’ as they love that. It’s more about monitoring my language. I use ‘trash can’ not ‘rubbish bin’. But we feel anxious or stressed about the same things and need support in the same ways. If players understand you can assist them, they aren’t concerned about your origin or what accent. And when people know that you care, all the rest fades.”

Advantages of Coming From Beyond the NFL Bubble

Originating from beyond the NFL bubble has its upsides. “I addressed in front of the entire team very early on, and, as we left, one of our linemen wanted to talk the sport with me as he enjoys it. You build those bonds and form friendships. Teammates are truly curious. NFL buildings are varied 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 better at attracting foreign fans than developing global talent. Jordan Mailata, a ex- rugby player from Australia who claimed the Super Bowl recently with the Philadelphia Eagles, is among the rare IPP players to have risen to the elite level.

Foreign Athletes and Their Paths

Foreign players have typically been specialists, recruited from other football codes. Howfield exchanged soccer for Watford and Fulham for becoming a placekicker for the Denver Broncos and Jets; Luckhurst transitioned from rugby union in England to the Atlanta Falcons roster. If you do not want to be a kicker and were not trained in the American system, it’s very challenging to advance to the NFL.

Ayo Oyelola, a Londoner who was part of Chelsea’s youth team before discovering American football at Nottingham University, has made that step. He played in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before moving to the Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Maximilian Pircher’s experience is equally improbable. At 6ft 7in and heavyweight, the Italian was obviously not built for his preferred games, soccer and the sport, so took up the NFL in his teenage years. He stood out while playing for clubs in Austria and Germany, as well as the national side, and was given a spot on the IPP in 2021.

The following year, he had his hands on the championship trophy as a part of the Rams training team. Pircher went on to have spells on the fringes at the Lions, Seattle Seahawks and Commanders, before he joined the Vikings at the late summer. He has been popular in every locker room but is hasn’t had game time on the field. Is being a international player still a challenge?

“It isn’t difficult, not an obstacle,” says the 26-year-old. “We have players from all different states, so it isn’t an issue. Initially, they ask: ‘You got an accent – what’s your background?’ But, after we clarify that, we’re teammates. The Vikings have a very inclusive environment, a excellent squad, a top organization.”

Despite devoting most of practice with his other linemen, Pircher has thrown himself into the social mix at his clubs. “Naturally the offensive line is always close-knit because we are a group and united, but we have mates from all positions. My close friend, Landen Akers – my best man, actually – was a wide receiver at the LA. The specialist from the Green Bay, Matt Orzech, is a close pal: we lived together for a while at the Rams. Quarterbacks, defenders, specialists: we’ve got to be supportive.”

Inspiring the Future

Pircher is aware he represents more than just his home countries. “I would say all the countries beyond the US. The better each one of us performs, the greater number of young people who play football in Italy, in Europe, anywhere, can realize: ‘Oh it is possible – if I dedicate myself every day, I can succeed.’ I have a lot of kids hitting me up, seeking tips. It’s rewarding to inspire them to experience what I’ve achieved.”

The program alumni are all invited to the US annually to train the new group of potential NFL internationals. “Virtually everyone of us come back