These Players and Coaches Born Outside in the USA
Although the US is a nation of immigrants, the NFL is still dominated by US-born players. Just 5% of players are foreign-born, and the majority of them step into the game by attending university in the US. Genuine outsiders are unusual, and foreign coaches are particularly rare, which makes James Cook’s journey remarkable.
James Cook’s Surprising Path to the League
For the past six months, Cook has been in charge of player development at the Browns organization. That’s an accomplishment in itself, but it’s incredible given he grew up in Surrey, is in his late 20s, and never played pro sports. Cook first saw the NFL as a teenager while channel-flicking with his father and came across what he described as a “weird and wonderful” sport. He began participating in his area and quickly aspired to become the first-ever NFL quarterback from Europe. He progressed to representing Great Britain, but his plans to go to college in the US proved financially prohibitive.
“I was scooping popcorn, cleaning seats, making burgers, handling a bit of everything. Whenever the NFL people wanted me, I would adjust my schedule and help out. As a quarterback, the key skill I had was I could pass. So when they worked out with players, I’d show up around London and toss the ball to them. I wasn’t paid, but they’d usually get me lunch.”
It was here that he encountered Durde, who had stints with the Carolina Panthers and Chiefs during his playing days before he established the International Player Pathway programme in that year with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora. When Durde became part of the coaching team at the Atlanta Falcons, making history as the first-ever British permanent coach in NFL history, Cook took over the IPP. “I enjoyed a lot of fun with it, working with some really interesting players,” he recalls. “We had Louis Rees-Zammit; Travis Clayton, who was selected by Buffalo; Charlie Smyth, the specialist from Ireland who’s now with the New Orleans. I went to Australia to work with younger players from around the Pacific to get them into the US college system, similar to what I wanted to do.”
Transitioning to NFL Coaching
Like Durde before him, Cook transitioned from working with foreign players to joining the NFL. “The Browns contacted me unexpectedly,” he says. “They had a hybrid role supporting younger players, optimizing time on the practice field, collaborating with physios, the head coach and general manager. It’s a very hands-on position, which is perfect for me. My experience was guiding players from abroad who had not played the game. Rookie newcomers also have to establish structure and routines: learning to take care of their body and deal with a huge game plan. But also just being available for guys. That’s the same everywhere. And I enjoy that.”
Is being an Englishman who did not compete in the NFL hold him back? “It’s largely a perceived hurdle than an real one,” says Cook. “I’ve had a lot of Lasso-style comments and many players call me ‘mate’ as they love that. It’s more about checking myself. I use ‘garbage can’ not ‘rubbish bin’. But we get nervous or stressed about the similar things and require help in the identical ways. If players understand you can assist them, they aren’t concerned where you’re from or how you speak. And when people realize that you are invested, all the other stuff fades.”
Benefits of Being Beyond the NFL Bubble
Originating from outside the American football world has its upsides. “I addressed in front of the whole squad very early on, and, as we left, one of our linemen wanted to talk rugby with me as he loves it. You build those bonds and build relationships. People are truly intrigued. NFL organizations are more diverse than many think. We have staff from various backgrounds, a range of experiences. Our mantra at IPP was: ‘Be uncommon – you are different so embrace it.’ It’s something to be proud of.”
The NFL has been more successful at attracting foreign fans than developing global talent. Mailata, a former rugby player from Sydney who claimed the championship earlier this year with the Eagles, is among the rare IPP graduates to have made it to the very top.
Foreign Athletes and Their Journeys
International athletes have typically been kickers, recruited from different sports. Bobby Howfield swapped soccer for Watford and Fulham for being a placekicker for the Denver Broncos and Jets; Mick Luckhurst graduated from rugby union in St Albans to the Falcons team. If you aren’t aiming to be a special teams player and were not educated in the American system, it’s extremely difficult to advance to the NFL.
Ayo Oyelola, a native of London who was part of Chelsea’s youth team before finding American football at university, has made that step. He played in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before taking his talents to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Steelers.
Maximilian Pircher’s story is equally unlikely. At 6ft 7in and heavyweight, the Italian was obviously not built for his favoured sports, football and the sport, so started American football in his late teens. He stood out while playing for teams in Europe and Germany, as well as the Italy team, and was given a place on the IPP in 2021.
A year later, he had his hands on the championship trophy as a member of the Rams practice squad. Pircher went on to have periods on the fringes at the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks and Commanders, before he signed with the Minnesota Vikings at the late summer. He has been well-liked in each team but is yet to see game time on the field. Is his status as a foreigner still a challenge?
“It isn’t difficult, not an obstacle,” notes the 26-year-old. “We have players from various regions, so it doesn’t really matter. Initially, they ask: ‘You speak differently – what’s your background?’ But, after we clarify that, we’re all friends. The Minnesota have a very welcoming environment, a excellent team, a top franchise.”
Although devoting most of training with his fellow offensive linemen, Pircher has thrown himself into the team dynamics at his clubs. “Obviously the O-line is consistently close-knit because we are a group and altogether one, but we have friends from every position group. My close friend, Landen Akers – my wedding witness, in fact – played wide receiver at the Rams. The specialist from the Green Bay, Orzech, is a close pal: we lived together for two years at the LA Rams. Quarterbacks, defensive linemen, specialists: we’ve have to be there for each other.”
Inspiring the Future
Pircher is conscious he symbolizes more than just Italy and Austria. “In my view every nation outside the US. The better every IPP graduate performs, the more young people who play football in Italy, in Europe, wherever, can see: ‘Oh it is possible – if I dedicate myself consistently, I can succeed.’ I have a many kids contacting me, seeking tips. It’s nice to inspire them to experience what I’ve achieved.”
The program alumni are welcomed to the US each year to train the new group of potential NFL outsiders. “Almost all of us come back
