An Alien Has Landed in London

By: Moses Mehraban on October 23, 2007 
Filed Under Branding


No not an ET-like Alien, but rather something equally as rare: The NFL (National Football League) otherwise known as American Football – that other football from across the pond, you know with the melon shaped ball.

In an effort to extend its reach and become a global sport, the NFL will host its first-ever game in Europe on Sunday, October 28th.

When I saw this picture on the cover of Nytimes.com today, it looked as if an Alien had landed in London. Just look at the public in awe over the huge animated figure of Miami’s Jason Taylor.

NFL in London

In terms of creativity, AMV BBDO did a superb job by placing a Giant Figure in Trafalgar Square and getting people talking with this bold move – spot on for creating buzz.

Now, comes the questions of who will rule over the name game of “football” and how will American football be received in London and across Europe.

This might turn out to be a classic brand identity conflict, then again maybe not. It’s doubtful; Europeans will ever confuse their beloved football with any other game professing the same name. Maybe this is answered in the simple question, of how many internationally recognized football stars come to mind? I can think of Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Christiano, Zidan, Beckham, Figo…and the list goes on….now how many American football players come to mind…Joe Green, OJ Simpson…well at least one is still a star. All I can say, let the battle of classic football (soccer) vs. American football begin …

Filed Under Branding

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