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NFL Positions Explained — A Guide for New UK Fans
By hitNFL.com | Your NFL, Your Timezone
American football looks chaotic the first time you watch it. Twenty-two players, complex formations, and plays that last three seconds. But once you understand who does what, it clicks — fast.
Here's every position you need to know, explained simply.
The Offence (The Team With the Ball)
Quarterback (QB) The most important player on the field. The QB receives the ball at the start of every play, then either throws it, hands it off, or runs with it. Think of them as the player-manager — they call the plays and control everything. Think: Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts
Running Back (RB) Lines up behind the QB. Usually handed the ball to run through gaps in the defence, but also catches passes out of the backfield. Power, speed, and toughness required. Think: Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey
Wide Receiver (WR) The main pass catchers. They line up wide on the field, run precise routes, and catch the ball downfield. The fastest, most agile players on the team. Think: Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson
Tight End (TE) A hybrid — part blocker, part receiver. Lines up next to the offensive linemen but can also run routes and catch passes. One of the most versatile positions in the game. Think: Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta
Offensive Line (OL) Five big men whose entire job is to protect the QB and create running lanes. They rarely touch the ball but arguably matter more than anyone else. No good line = no good offence.
The Defence (The Team Without the Ball)
Defensive End (DE) Lines up at the edge of the defensive line. Primary job: get to the quarterback as fast as possible. The best ones are some of the most feared athletes in sport. Think: Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett
Defensive Tackle (DT) Big, powerful players who line up in the middle of the defensive line. Their job is to clog running lanes and push through to disrupt the QB.
Linebacker (LB) The versatile defenders behind the defensive line. They stop the run, cover receivers, and blitz the QB. Often the defensive leader on the field. Think: Fred Warner
Cornerback (CB) The defenders who match up against wide receivers. Fast, physical, and need elite instincts. Widely considered one of the hardest positions in sport.
Safety (S) The last line of defence. Safeties play deep behind everyone else, preventing big passing plays and cleaning up any runners who break through.
Special Teams
Kicker (K) Kicks field goals (3 points) and extra points after touchdowns. One of the most pressure-filled jobs in sport — seasons have ended on a missed kick.
Punter (P) Kicks the ball away on 4th down when the offence decides not to go for it. Jamie Gillan, born in Scotland, currently punts for the New York Giants — one of several British players active in the NFL right now. Fox News
The Golden Rule
You don't need to know every position perfectly to enjoy NFL. Start with the quarterback — follow what he does on every play and everything else will start to make sense around him.
New to the NFL? Bookmark hitNFL.com — we explain everything in plain English, for UK fans.
UK Players in the NFL — The Full 2026 Tracker
By hitNFL.com | Your NFL, Your Timezone
British players in the NFL remain rare — but the pipeline is growing. Here's every player with UK roots currently connected to an NFL team, updated for 2026.
In total, only 33 players from Great Britain have ever played in the NFL. That number is slowly rising thanks to the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) programme, which identifies elite British athletes and gives them a route into the league. statista
Here's where things stand right now:
Active & Squad Players
Graham Gano — Kicker, New York Giants Born in Arbroath, Scotland, Gano made his NFL debut in 2009 and remains one of the longest-serving British players in league history. A reliable veteran who has quietly built one of the most impressive careers of any UK player in the NFL. Fox News
Jamie Gillan — Punter, New York Giants Known as "The Scottish Hammer," Gillan is one of the most recognisable British players in the game. He lines up alongside Gano at the Giants, making New York's special teams unit arguably the most British in NFL history. Fox News
Jermaine Eluemunor — Guard/Tackle, New York Giants The third Brit at the Giants, Eluemunor plays on the offensive line — the unglamorous but essential unit protecting the quarterback. Born in London, he's one of the most physically imposing British players to make it to the NFL. Fox News
Julian Okwara — Linebacker, Cleveland Browns A pass rusher with real NFL pedigree. Okwara plays for the Cleveland Browns and has carved out a solid career as a rotational edge defender. Fox News
David Ojabo — Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens Ojabo plays for the Baltimore Ravens and has shown flashes of the elite pass-rushing ability that made him a highly rated prospect coming out of college. Fox News
Adedayo Odeleye — Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys Born in Lagos but raised in the UK, Odeleye attended Loughborough University before going undrafted in 2022. He's now on the active roster of the Dallas Cowboys — a remarkable journey from the English university system to America's most famous franchise. NFL
Mapalo Mwansa — Linebacker, Carolina Panthers (Practice Squad) Born in Peterborough, Mwansa came through Loughborough University and the NFL's International Player Pathway programme. He's currently with the Carolina Panthers' practice squad and considered one of the brightest prospects in the British pipeline. Wikipedia
Travis Clayton — Offensive Tackle, Buffalo Bills (Practice Squad) Clayton was playing eighth-tier English rugby with Basingstoke when he was spotted by the NFL Academy. After an impressive Pro Day, he was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round of the 2024 Draft — an extraordinary story of late discovery. statista
The 2026 Draft Pick — Seydou Traore
The most exciting new name in the British NFL pipeline. Born in France but raised in south London, Traore was originally a goalkeeper before discovering American football with the London Warriors. He went through the NFL Academy in Barnet, moved to Florida to develop his game, then starred at Arkansas State — posting 50 receptions for 655 yards and four touchdowns in a breakout season. He was Britain's only representative in the 2026 NFL Draft. statista
Behind the Scenes
Aden Durde — Defensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks Durde is the defensive coordinator for the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks — arguably the most powerful position any Briton has held in the NFL. A former undrafted player himself, his rise to the top of NFL coaching is one of the great untold British sports stories. Fox News
The Pathway Growing
The NFL's International Player Pathway programme was established in 2017 with the aim of identifying elite global talent and providing athletes the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster. The 2026 IPP class features 13 athletes representing 10 nations. Sharp Football Analysis
For British fans, this programme is the reason the list above keeps growing. Ten years ago, a British player in the NFL was a novelty. Today it's becoming a regular occurrence.
We'll keep this tracker updated throughout the 2026 season. Bookmark this page and check back regularly — hitNFL.com.
A British Fan's Guide to the NFL Draft
By hitNFL.com | Your NFL, Your Timezone
Every April, the NFL stops for three days and the entire league is reshaped. Picks are traded, futures are decided, and franchise fortunes can change overnight. If you've watched the Draft and felt completely lost — this guide is for you.
What Is the NFL Draft?
The Draft is how NFL teams sign new players coming out of American college football. Every year, all 32 teams take turns selecting from a pool of eligible college players. Once selected, that player belongs to that team.
It's the primary way new talent enters the league — and for struggling teams, it's their best chance to turn things around fast.
How Does the Order Work?
Here's the clever part: the worst teams pick first. The selection order runs in reverse order of finish from the previous season — the team with the worst record gets the top pick, and the Super Bowl champions pick last. ESPN The Zone 105.9
This is deliberate. It's designed to stop bad teams staying bad forever and keep the league competitive.
The 2026 Draft had 257 total selections across 7 rounds. The Las Vegas Raiders held the first overall pick and selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza — the first Hoosier selected in the first round since 1994. OLBG
How Many Rounds Are There?
Seven rounds. Every team gets one pick per round — though trades can change that dramatically. Some teams enter a Draft with 12 picks; others with just four.
At the 2026 Draft, the Miami Dolphins made the most selections of any team with 13 picks, while the Los Angeles Rams made just five. OLBG
UK fan tip: Round 1 is the glamour night — think of it like Transfer Deadline Day but stretched over three hours. Rounds 4–7 on the Saturday are where the real bargain hunting happens.
What Are Trades?
This is where it gets really interesting. Teams don't have to use their picks — they can trade them to other teams, either for players or future picks.
A team might trade this year's first-round pick to move up and grab a quarterback they love. Another team might trade down, collecting multiple picks to rebuild their whole roster.
At the 2026 Draft, the Buffalo Bills traded back three times from their No. 26 pick, accumulating significant Day 2 and Day 3 assets — and ended the night without a single first-round selection. That's a calculated rebuild strategy, not a mistake. YouGov
Where Does It Happen?
The Draft is a massive public event held in a different US city every year. The 2026 Draft was held in Pittsburgh across three days from 23–25 April, outside Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. Opening night drew an estimated 320,000 people — a new record. OLBGYouGov
The 2026 Draft — Key Moments
The No. 1 pick went to the Las Vegas Raiders, who selected QB Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals made a bold move selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love — the first running back taken in the top three since 2012. The final pick of the first round, No. 32, went to the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, who selected Love's Notre Dame backfield teammate Jadarian Price. YouGov
Why Should UK Fans Care?
Because Draft night is genuinely one of the most dramatic nights in sport. Teams' entire futures hinge on single decisions. Quarterbacks get booed. Trades happen mid-ceremony. Coaches get fired for bad picks two years later.
Watch it once and you'll be hooked. It usually kicks off around 1am UK time — set the coffee on.
Follow hitNFL.com for Draft analysis, news, and guides — built for British fans.
The 5 Most Popular NFL Teams in the UK — Ranked (2026)
By hitNFL.com | Your NFL, Your Timezone
Nearly 1 in 5 Brits is an NFL fan — that's an estimated 14.3 million people across the UK following American football. But which teams have captured British hearts the most? The answer might surprise you — it's not always about who's winning. Wikipedia
We've pulled together the latest search data and survey results to rank the five most popular NFL teams in the UK right now. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.
5. Chicago Bears
The Bears' UK fanbase is one of the oldest and most loyal in the country. British supporters have followed Chicago since the 1980s, when legendary running back Walter Payton wowed fans worldwide. After their Super Bowl XX victory in 1986, the Bears even played the Dallas Cowboys in London in an exhibition match — one of the earliest seeds of NFL culture in the UK. Wikipedia
The fanbase has aged with the team — but it's passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply rooted. If you meet a Bears fan over 50, they've probably been watching longer than most Americans.
Why UK fans love them: History, nostalgia, and that iconic navy and orange kit.
4. Miami Dolphins
Many British fans started following the Dolphins in the 1980s when superstar quarterback Dan Marino led the team — and that loyalty has never faded, even through decades of mediocrity. The Dolphins are proof that UK fans don't abandon their teams when results dip. Pro Football Network
As of late 2025, the Dolphins sit in joint fourth place for UK search interest, sharing that spot with the Cowboys, Packers, and Bills. Wikipedia
Why UK fans love them: Marino-era loyalty, warm weather vibes, and a colour scheme that looks great on a replica shirt.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have surged in UK popularity on the back of recent success. Philadelphia currently sits joint second in UK NFL team searches, with a 6.3% share of all monthly queries — driven largely by their recent Super Bowl appearances. Wikipedia
Jalen Hurts has become a cult figure among British fans, and the Eagles' aggressive, physical style of play resonates well with a UK audience used to rugby and Premier League football.
Why UK fans love them: Recent success, a passionate fanbase, and one of the best atmospheres in the NFL.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are joint second alongside the Eagles and it's easy to see why. Star players like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brock Purdy have kept San Francisco firmly in the highlight reels — and UK fans have responded. The team's dynasty history from the Montana and Rice era also means there's a deep well of older British supporters who never stopped caring. RotoWire
Why UK fans love them: Superstar roster, great kit, and a winning culture that spans generations.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
No surprise at the top. The Kansas City Chiefs are the most popular NFL team in the UK, commanding a 9.5% share of all UK NFL team searches — that's around 50,000 searches every single month. Wikipedia
Patrick Mahomes is arguably the most recognisable active athlete in the world right now, and Travis Kelce's cultural crossover appeal has introduced the Chiefs to an entirely new UK audience. Three Super Bowl titles in five years has done the rest.
Why UK fans love them: Mahomes' genius, Kelce's personality, and winning. Lots of winning.
The Ones That Didn't Make It — And Why That's Interesting
Two notable absences stand out.
New England Patriots — The Patriots had a 17% popularity rating among UK fans during the Brady-Belichick era, making them one of the most followed teams in Britain for two decades. The post-Brady rebuild has seen them slide — but with New England reaching the Super Bowl LX last season, expect a comeback in the UK rankings soon. WikipediaFBSchedules
Jacksonville Jaguars — Despite playing more games in London than any other team — 11 in total — the Jaguars don't crack the top five. More proof that UK fans follow star power and winning culture, not just familiarity. Pro Football Network
The Big Takeaway
UK fans don't just follow whoever wins the Super Bowl. The latest data shows loyalty built through historic connections, London appearances, star players, and media exposure — and the top five can shift dramatically year to year. RotoWire
Which team do you support? Drop it in the comments — we'd love to know how our readers' loyalties stack up against the national data.
Follow hitNFL.com for weekly NFL news, guides, and rankings — built for British fans.
How to Watch Every NFL Game in the UK in 2026 (Free & Paid Options)
By hitNFL.com | Your NFL, Your Timezone
So you want to watch NFL in the UK. Good news: you've never had more options. Bad news: nobody explains them clearly in one place — until now.
Here's every way to watch, broken down by budget.
🆓 Free Options
Channel 5 (now just "5")
Channel 5 now airs two NFL games every Sunday completely free — no subscription needed. It's the biggest win for UK fans in years, and you can stream it via My5 online. techradar
Best for: Casual fans who want to watch a couple of games on a Sunday without spending a penny.
BBC iPlayer
The BBC covers NFL highlights and playoff action via iPlayer — free with a TV licence. Where's the Match
ITV / ITVX
ITV offers free highlights, key games, and analysis through ITVX. Where's the Match
💰 Paid Options
Sky Sports NFL
The gold standard for UK NFL fans. Sky Sports NFL broadcasts live games and exclusive content via subscription. Sky shows a selection of live games weekly, including a triple-header on Sunday nights from 6pm to late, plus Thursday Night Football and Monday Night Football. Where's the Matchgoal
Cost: All Sky Sports channels from £34.99/month. You can also get it without a full Sky contract via NOW TV. NFL Wiki
Best for: Die-hard fans who want the full weekly experience on a proper TV.
DAZN NFL Game Pass
DAZN NFL Game Pass lets you watch every single NFL game live throughout the season, including the Playoffs and Super Bowl. You also get access to NFL Network, highlights shows, and documentaries — and you can download games to watch on the go. goal
Cost: From £15.99/month. Also available as an Amazon Prime Video add-on.
Best for: Fans who follow multiple teams and don't want to miss a single snap.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime streams Thursday Night Football as part of a standard Prime subscription. Where's the Match
Best for: Prime subscribers who want one less reason to pay for an extra service.
📱 The Honest Breakdown — What Should You Actually Get?
You are...Get thisWatching casuallyChannel 5 (free)A one-team fanSky Sports NOW pass on match daysA fantasy player who watches everythingDAZN NFL Game PassAlready a Prime memberPrime Video (for Thursday games) + Channel 5
⏰ The UK Timezone Reality Check
Let's be honest — this is the hardest part of being a British NFL fan. Most games kick off between 6pm and 1:30am UK time. The late Sunday window regularly runs past midnight.
Our advice: set your Sky/DAZN to record everything. Watching the 1am game on Monday morning over breakfast is a time-honoured UK fan tradition.
🏟️ Bonus: Watching NFL Live in London
In 2026, nine international NFL games are scheduled across seven countries. Several will be at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. We'll be covering ticket info, travel guides, and everything you need right here on hitNFL.com — bookmark us. NFL
Got a question about watching NFL in the UK? Drop it in the comments. We read everything.
The NFL Season Explained: From Preseason to Super Bowl (2026 Guide)
By hitNFL.com | Your NFL, Your Timezone
If you're new to American football, the NFL calendar can feel overwhelming. Games in August? A Draft in April? What even is a Wild Card? This guide breaks the entire NFL year down simply — so you always know what's happening and why it matters.
🗓️ The NFL Year at a Glance
The NFL isn't just a season — it's a year-round operation. Here's the full cycle:
PhaseWhen (2026/27)Hall of Fame Game6 August 2026Preseason13 August – 28 August 2026Regular Season9 September 2026 – 10 January 2027Playoffs16 January 2027 onwardsSuper Bowl LXI14 February 2027
1. The Hall of Fame Game (Early August)
The season unofficially kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio — a single preseason match played to honour the players being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that weekend. It's more ceremony than sport, but it signals that football is back.
This year the Hall of Fame Game features Carolina vs. Arizona on 6 August, broadcast on NBC. FBSchedules
2. Preseason (August)
Three weeks of warm-up games before the real thing. Every team plays a handful of matches — but here's the key thing to understand: starters barely play. Coaches use preseason to evaluate fringe players fighting for roster spots, not to win games.
The first full week of preseason action arrives on 13 August 2026, with three weeks of games before the regular season begins. Pro Football Network
UK fan tip: Don't lose sleep over preseason results. The scores mean nothing. Watch it to get your eye back in after the summer break.
3. The Regular Season (September – January)
This is the main event. The 2026 regular season runs from 9 September 2026 through to 10 January 2027. Wikipedia
Here's how it works:
32 teams, split into two conferences — the AFC and NFC
Each conference has 4 divisions of 4 teams
Every team plays 17 games over 18 weeks (one bye week each)
Games are mainly on Sundays, with extra games on Thursday and Monday nights
The goal is simple: finish with the best record in your division, or accumulate enough wins to grab a wildcard spot — and make the playoffs.
For UK fans, Sunday games kick off between 6pm and 1:30am. Thursday Night Football usually starts around midnight. Set your recordings — watching the late game over Monday breakfast is a proud British NFL tradition.
The 2026 season opens on Wednesday 9 September with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots. A rematch of Super Bowl LX — a perfect opener. FBSchedules
4. The Playoffs (January)
When the regular season ends, 14 teams make the playoffs — 7 from each conference. This is single-elimination: lose once and you're done.
The rounds:
Wild Card — The opening weekend. The top seed in each conference gets a bye; the remaining 6 teams per conference play. Wild Card weekend in 2027 begins 16 January. FBSchedules
Divisional Round — The best 4 teams left per conference play. Divisional Round games are set for the weekend of 23–24 January 2027. FBSchedules
Conference Championships — One game per conference. The winner becomes the AFC Champion or NFC Champion. The AFC and NFC Championship Games are scheduled for Sunday 31 January 2027. FBSchedules
Super Bowl — The AFC Champion vs. the NFC Champion. One game. Winner takes everything.
5. The Super Bowl
The biggest single-day sporting event on the planet. Super Bowl LXI is set for Sunday 14 February 2027 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with kickoff at 6:30pm ET — that's 11:30pm UK time. FBSchedules
Yes, it's a late one. But every British NFL fan has stayed up for it at least once — and once you do, you'll do it every year.
The Super Bowl also features the Halftime Show, which regularly draws more viewers than the game itself. Budget the whole night.
6. The Offseason (March – August)
Think the NFL stops after the Super Bowl? Not a chance. The offseason is almost as dramatic as the season itself:
Free Agency (March) — Players whose contracts have expired can sign with new teams. This is when blockbuster moves happen overnight
NFL Draft (April) — The 2026 NFL Draft took place on 23–25 April in Pittsburgh, where all 32 teams select college players to join their rosters RotoWire
Training Camp (July–August) — Teams gather, install their playbooks, and cut their rosters down to 53 players before the season begins
The Bottom Line
The NFL year never really stops — and that's what makes it so addictive. Whether it's a February Super Bowl, an April Draft night, or a September opener, there's always something to follow.
Bookmark hitNFL.com and we'll keep you across every moment — in UK time, in plain English, built for British fans.
New to the NFL? Drop your questions in the comments — no such thing as a dumb question here.
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