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Although the US is a country of immigrants, the National Football League is still led by US-born athletes. Only five percent of players are foreign-born, and the majority of them step into the sport by going to university in the US. True international figures are unusual, and foreign coaches are particularly rare, which renders James Cook’s journey exceptional.

James Cook’s Surprising Path to the NFL

Cook has been in control of athlete growth at the Cleveland Browns. That’s an accomplishment in itself, but it’s incredible considering he grew up in Surrey, is in his twenties, and never participated in pro sports. Cook discovered the NFL as a 12-year-old while surfing channels with his father and stumbled upon what he described as a “weird and wonderful” game. He started playing in his area and quickly wanted to become the first-ever NFL QB born in Europe. He progressed to representing Team GB, but his plans to attend university in the US proved financially prohibitive.

“I scooped popcorn, wiping seats, making burgers, handling a bit of everything. Whenever the NFL people needed me, I would adjust my shifts and assist. Being a quarterback, the key skill I had was I could pass. So when they worked out with players, I’d appear around London and toss the ball to them. I didn’t get paid, but they’d usually buy me lunch.”

This is where he encountered Durde, who had stints with the Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days before he set up the International Player Pathway programme in 2017 with two-time championship winner Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the staff at the Atlanta Falcons, making history as the first UK permanent coach in NFL history, Cook assumed control of the IPP. “I had a lot of fun with it, working with some remarkable guys,” he says. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Travis Clayton, who was selected by Buffalo; Charlie Smyth, the kicker from Ireland who’s now with the Saints. I went to Down Under to work with younger players from across the Pacific region to get them into college football, similar to what I had hoped to do.”

Transitioning to Coaching in the NFL

Similar to Durde before him, Cook made the jump from training foreign players to joining the NFL. “Cleveland called unexpectedly,” he says. “They had a hybrid role assisting rookies, optimizing efficiency on the practice field, working closely with medical staff, the coach and general manager. It’s a very hands-on role, which is ideal for me. My background was guiding international athletes who had not played the game. Rookie newcomers also have to establish structure and routines: how to look after their body and deal with a massive playbook. But also just being present for guys. That’s the same everywhere. And I love that.”

Does being an Englishman who never play in the NFL a disadvantage? “It’s largely a imagined hurdle than an real one,” says Cook. “I’ve had a lot of reverse Ted Lasso jokes and many players call me ‘bruv’ as they like that. It’s more about monitoring my language. I use ‘garbage can’ not ‘rubbish bin’. But we feel anxious or under pressure about the same things and require help in the same ways. If players know you can help them, they aren’t concerned about your origin or what accent. And when people know that you are invested, all the other stuff melts away.”

Benefits of Coming From Beyond the US System

Coming from outside the NFL bubble has its advantages. “I spoke in front of the whole squad soon after joining, and, as we left, one of our offensive linemen asked me about the sport with me as he loves it. You build those bonds and form friendships. Teammates are truly curious. NFL buildings are more diverse than people think. We have staff from all sorts of backgrounds, a range of experiences. Our saying at IPP was: ‘Stand out – you are different so embrace it.’ It’s something to be proud of.”

The NFL has been better at attracting international supporters than developing foreign players. Jordan Mailata, a ex- rugby player from Sydney who won the championship recently with the Philadelphia Eagles, is among the rare IPP graduates to have risen to the elite level.

International Athletes and Their Paths

Foreign players have typically been kickers, brought in from other football codes. Howfield swapped soccer for Watford and Fulham for becoming a kicker for the Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst transitioned from rugby in England to the Falcons team. If you do not want to be a kicker and were not educated in the US college system, it’s very challenging to advance to the NFL.

Ayo Oyelola, a Londoner who was part of Chelsea’s academy before discovering the sport at Nottingham University, has made that step. He competed in the CFL for the Blue Bombers before moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Steelers.

Maximilian Pircher’s story is just as unlikely. At 6ft 7in and heavyweight, the Italian was clearly not built for his favoured sports, soccer and the sport, so took up American football in his late teens. He impressed while playing for clubs in Austria and Europe, as well as the Italy team, and was given a spot on the IPP in that year.

A year later, he had his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy as a part of the LA Rams training team. Pircher subsequently had spells on the periphery at the Detroit 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 his status as 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 – where are you from?’ But, after we clarify that, we’re teammates. The Vikings have a really inclusive environment, a great team, a top franchise.”

Although devoting the majority of practice with his other linemen, Pircher has immersed himself in the social mix at his clubs. “Obviously the offensive line is consistently very tight because we are a unit and united, but we have friends from all positions. My close friend, Landen Akers – my wedding witness, actually – was a wide receiver at the LA. The specialist from the Green Bay, Orzech, is a close pal: we shared a home for two years at the LA Rams. QBs, defensive linemen, specialists: we’ve have to be supportive.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Pircher is aware he represents more than just Italy and Austria. “I would say all the countries beyond the United States. The more successful every IPP graduate does, the more young people who participate in Italy, in Europe, wherever, can realize: ‘It can be done – if I put the work in every day, I can succeed.’ I have a many youngsters hitting me up, seeking tips. It’s nice to encourage them to pursue what I’ve achieved.”

The program alumni are welcomed to Florida annually to coach the next wave of potential NFL internationals. “Almost all of us come back