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Although the United States is a country of immigrants, the National Football League is largely led by US-born athletes. Just 5% of players are born abroad, and the majority of them enter the sport by attending university in the US. True international figures are unusual, and coaches from abroad are especially scarce, which makes James Cook’s story remarkable.

James Cook’s Surprising Path to the League

Cook has been in control of player development at the Cleveland Browns. That’s an accomplishment in itself, but it’s extraordinary considering he grew up in England, is in his late 20s, and did not participated in pro sports. Cook first saw the NFL as a 12-year-old while surfing channels with his father and came across what he called a “strange and amazing” game. He started playing locally and quickly wanted to become the first NFL quarterback 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, making burgers, doing a bit of everything. Any time the NFL guys wanted me, I would adjust my shifts and assist. Being a quarterback, the key skill I had was I could throw. So when they trained with players, I’d appear around London and throw the ball to them. I wasn’t paid, but they’d usually get me lunch.”

This is where he met Aden Durde, who had periods with the 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 UK permanent coach in NFL annals, Cook took over the IPP. “I had a lot of fun with it, working with some really interesting guys,” he says. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Travis Clayton, who was selected by the Bills; Charlie Smyth, the kicker from the Emerald Isle who’s now with the New Orleans. I went to Down Under to train younger players from across the Pacific region to introduce them to the US college system, like what I wanted to do.”

Making the Leap to NFL Coaching

Like Durde before him, Cook transitioned from training foreign players to joining the NFL. “Cleveland contacted me unexpectedly,” he explains. “They had a hybrid role supporting rookies, maximising time on the training ground, working closely with physios, the coach and GM. It’s a very hands-on role, which is perfect for me. My experience was guiding players from abroad who had not played the sport. Rookie rookies also have to establish structure and schedules: learning to look after their body and handle a huge game plan. But also just being present for players. That’s the identical everywhere. And I enjoy that.”

Is being an Englishman who never compete in the NFL hold him back? “It’s more of a perceived hurdle than an actual one,” says Cook. “I’ve had a lot of reverse Ted Lasso comments and loads of players call me ‘bruv’ as they like that. It’s more about monitoring my language. I say ‘garbage can’ not ‘bin’. But we feel anxious or stressed about the similar things and need help in the same ways. If players know you can assist them, they aren’t concerned about your origin or what accent. And when people know that you are invested, all the rest melts away.”

Benefits of Coming From Beyond the NFL Bubble

Originating from outside the NFL bubble has its upsides. “I spoke in front of the entire team very early on, and, as we walked out, one of our offensive linemen asked me about rugby with me as he loves it. You make those connections and build relationships. Teammates are truly curious. NFL buildings are varied than people think. We have staff from various origins, a variety of upbringings. Our saying at IPP was: ‘Be uncommon – you are different so lean into it.’ It’s something to celebrate.”

The NFL has been more successful at attracting foreign fans than nurturing global talent. Jordan Mailata, a ex- rugby player from Sydney who won the championship earlier this year with the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few IPP graduates to have made it to the elite level.

Foreign Athletes and Their Paths

International athletes have usually been kickers, recruited from different sports. Bobby Howfield exchanged soccer for Watford and Fulham for becoming a kicker for the Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst transitioned from rugby union in England to the Atlanta Falcons roster. If you do not want to be a kicker and did not trained in the American system, it’s extremely difficult to make the leap to the NFL.

Ayo Oyelola, a native of London who was part of Chelsea’s youth team before discovering the sport at university, has achieved that. He played in the CFL for the Blue Bombers before taking his talents to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Maximilian Pircher’s experience is just as unlikely. At over two meters and heavyweight, the from Italy was clearly not suited for his preferred games, football and the sport, so started the NFL in his teenage years. He impressed while representing clubs in Europe and Europe, as well as the national side, and was offered a place on the IPP in that year.

A year later, he held the championship trophy as a part of the LA Rams practice squad. Pircher went on to have periods on the fringes at the Lions, Seahawks and Commanders, before he signed with the Vikings at the late summer. He has been popular in each team but is yet to see game time on the gridiron. Is his status as a foreigner still a hurdle?

“It’s not really difficult, not an obstacle,” notes the player. “We have players from various regions, so it isn’t an issue. At first, they ask: ‘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 culture, 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 clubs. “Obviously the O-line is consistently very tight because we are a unit and united, but we have mates from all positions. My best friend, Landen Akers – my wedding witness, actually – played wide receiver at the Rams. The specialist from the Packers, Orzech, is a really good friend: we shared a home for two years at the Rams. Quarterbacks, defensive linemen, special teams: we’ve got to be supportive.”

Inspiring the Future

Pircher is conscious he represents more than just his home countries. “I would say all the countries outside the US. The more successful each one of us performs, the greater number of young people who participate in Italy, in Germany, wherever, can realize: ‘It can be done – if I put the work in consistently, I can get somewhere.’ I have a many youngsters hitting me up, asking for tips. It’s nice to inspire them to pursue what I’ve experienced.”

The program alumni are all invited to the US each year to coach the new group of potential NFL outsiders. “Almost all of us come back