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Although the United States is a country of immigrants, the National Football League is still dominated by American-born players. Only 5% of players are born abroad, and most of them enter the game by attending college in the US. Genuine international figures are unusual, and foreign coaches are particularly scarce, which makes James Cook’s story remarkable.

James Cook’s Unlikely Journey to the NFL

For the past six months, Cook has been in control of player development at the Cleveland Browns. That’s an accomplishment in itself, but it’s incredible given he grew up in Surrey, 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 father and stumbled upon what he called a “strange and amazing” sport. He started playing locally and soon wanted to become the first NFL QB born in Europe. He got as far as representing Team GB, but his plans to attend college in the US were financially prohibitive.

“I was scooping popcorn, cleaning seats, making burgers, doing a bit of everything. Any time the NFL guys wanted me, I would switch my schedule and help out. As a quarterback, the one thing I had was I could throw. So when they trained with players, I’d show up all over London and toss the ball to them. I didn’t get paid, but they’d often buy me lunch.”

This is where he met Durde, who had stints with the Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs during his playing days before he established the IPP program in that year with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora. When Durde joined the coaching team at the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first-ever UK permanent coach in NFL annals, Cook assumed control of the IPP. “I enjoyed a lot of fun with it, coaching some really interesting players,” he says. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Travis Clayton, who was selected by the Bills; Charlie Smyth, the specialist from the Emerald Isle who’s now with the Saints. I went to Australia to train aspiring athletes from around the Pacific region to introduce them to college football, similar to what I had hoped to do.”

Making the Leap to NFL Coaching

Like Durde before him, Cook transitioned from training international athletes to coaching in the NFL. “Cleveland called unexpectedly,” he says. “They had a hybrid role assisting rookies, maximising efficiency on the practice field, collaborating with medical staff, 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 never played the game. Rookie newcomers also have to build habits and routines: learning to take care of their body and deal with a huge playbook. But also just being available for players. That’s the same across the board. And I enjoy that.”

Does being an Brit who did not compete in the NFL hold him back? “It’s largely a perceived hurdle than an real one,” states Cook. “I get a lot of reverse Ted Lasso comments and loads of players refer to me as ‘mate’ as they love that. It’s more about checking myself. I use ‘garbage can’ not ‘bin’. But we get nervous or stressed about the similar things and need support in the same ways. If players understand you can help them, they aren’t concerned about your origin or how you speak. And when players know that you care, all the other stuff fades.”

Advantages of Being Beyond the NFL Bubble

Coming from beyond the NFL bubble has its advantages. “I spoke in front of the entire team very early on, and, as we left, one of our offensive linemen asked me about rugby with me as he enjoys it. You build those bonds and build relationships. Teammates are genuinely curious. NFL buildings are varied than many think. We have people from all sorts of origins, a variety of upbringings. Our mantra at IPP was: ‘Be uncommon – you are unique so lean into it.’ It’s something to celebrate.”

The NFL has been more successful at attracting international supporters than developing global talent. Jordan Mailata, a former rugby league player from Sydney who won the championship earlier this year with the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the few IPP players to have risen to the elite level.

Foreign Athletes and Their Paths

Foreign players have typically been kickers, recruited from different sports. Howfield swapped playing up front for Watford and Fulham for being a kicker for the Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst graduated from rugby union in St Albans to the Falcons team. If you do not want to be a special teams player and did not trained in the American system, it’s extremely difficult to make the leap to the NFL.

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

Pircher’s experience is just as improbable. At 6ft 7in and 23 stone, the Italian was clearly not suited for his favoured sports, football and handball, so started the NFL in his teenage years. He stood out while representing clubs in Europe and Europe, 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 member of the LA Rams practice squad. Pircher subsequently had spells on the fringes at the Detroit Lions, Seahawks and Commanders, before he signed with the Vikings at the late summer. He has been well-liked in every locker room but is yet to see game time on the gridiron. 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 various regions, so it doesn’t really matter. Initially, they ask: ‘You speak differently – where are you from?’ But, after we clarify that, we’re teammates. The Minnesota have a really welcoming environment, a excellent squad, a great franchise.”

Despite devoting the majority of training with his other linemen, Pircher has immersed himself in the team dynamics at his teams. “Obviously the O-line is always close-knit because we are a group and altogether one, but we have mates from all positions. My best friend, Akers – my best man, in fact – played receiver at the Rams. The long snapper from the Packers, Matt Orzech, is a really good friend: we lived together for two years at the Rams. Quarterbacks, defensive linemen, special teams: we’ve have to be there for each other.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Pircher is aware he represents more than just his home countries. “In my view all the countries beyond the United States. The more successful every IPP graduate does, the greater number of young people who play football in Europe, in Europe, anywhere, can see: ‘Oh it is possible – if I put the work in consistently, I can succeed.’ I have a many youngsters contacting me, asking for tips. It’s nice to encourage them to pursue what I’ve achieved.”

The program alumni are all invited to the US annually to train the next wave of aspiring NFL internationals. “Virtually everyone of us return