The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Tuesday the club will be playing back-to-back home games in London.
Jaguars team president Mark Lamping also said the club could look to play multiple games in London beyond 2020 as they are making improvements to Lot J near TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville.
“No single approach, including London, will answer the many challenges that are common with any market the size of Jacksonville,” Lamping said. “However, playing two games in London at Wembley Stadium, where we have outstanding relationships, at least next season and perhaps in future years during construction, will help us bridge the gap between now and when we expect the Lot J development to open. Jacksonville’s potential is unlimited, and I am confident we can realize it, with the Jaguars serving as the catalyst.”
If the Jaguars play multiple home games in London for the next couple of seasons, how soon will the Texans return to play their AFC South foe overseas?
Aside from the Jaguars, who have a contract to play games in London every season, the only other teams to play London games in consecutive seasons since the NFL International Series’ 2007 inception are the Miami Dolphins (2014-15) and the Oakland Raiders (2018-19). Therefore, the precedent exists for a team other than Jacksonville to return to London the next season.
The Texans vanquished the Jaguars 26-3 at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 3. Houston had their bye week after the win, and then came out flat in a 41-7 at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
Houston players enjoyed playing in London.
“My experience in Europe, especially playing, it was amazing,” quarterback Deshaun Watson said after the win. “The fans, the energy, the vibes, just everything was awesome. Definitely was a great time. That’s why at the end of the game a couple of the guys went to the fans, because they showed so much love and so much support.”
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