Four months ahead of facing the Jacksonville Jaguars within Wembley Stadium, Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph has gotten the jump on making an impact. In a capacity that is non-game, that is.
Joseph was among an set of ambassadors, including Akiem Hicks of the Panthers. Each agent will have a team participating in the 2019 London Games, a team fixture since 2007.
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Along with serving as an honorary coach during the 2019 NFL Flag Championships on July 3 — a contest where his team finished the runners-up — Joseph conducted various interviews, combine-esque drills, and clinics for children, all in the name of increasing the NFL’s presence throughout the pond.
“This was a great experience for me personally,” Joseph said Wednesday through John McClain of The Houston Chronicle. “I have been impressed with the kids. They’re keen to learn, and there talent here. They want to be coached up.”
As evidenced by the last portion of his announcement, the Pro Bowler didn’t hesitate to wear his scouting hat in the midst of his trip. When asked when the NFL could see an influx of U.K. players in the coming years, Joseph expressed he enjoys the chances.
“The NFL’s doing so much to promote our soccer over here. You find a talent pool just like they have here, and they begin to work at becoming better, and also, in time, I think you’ll see several players in the NFL coming out of here,” he said.
Panthers defensive end Efe Obada and absolutely free agent running back Jay Ajayi, a standout talent together with the Dolphins and Eagles, are part of a tiny group of current and former players using U.K. roots but, like the rest of these names, neither were both born and spent the vast majority of their lives in England.
If Joseph’s prediction be true, efforts like those he and his colleagues contributed to in London could have a significant influence as the NFL continues to evolve.
Read more: footballleagueworld.com
