Articles & Features
True North, Strong Fans- Canada's Undying Love for the NFL
Photo: Sep 21, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) reacts against the SMU Mustangs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

True North, Strong Fans- Canada's Undying Love for the NFL

Forget stereotypical politeness, on NFL Sundays, Canadians transform: they wear NFL jerseys, have a beer in one hand and snacks into the other. Being one of the biggest professional sports in the US, the NFL league has gathered fans from all over the world especially in Canada.

However, Canada also boasts its own professional football league, the Canadian Football League (CFL). Despite the presence of the CFL, the NFL is watched, cheered and adored by many Canadians fans. And this leads to the question: if there is a mass following, which teams gather most traction in Canada?

There are several  teams that have a big following from Canadians. However, two have more spark in Canadians hearts than others. If you check social media from Canadians you can notice that at this moment the biggest following have two teams - The Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions. The Seahawks, with their electrifying "12th Man" haven’t won a SuperBowl since 2013. However, their history and tradition have echoed in the hearts of many in Canada. On the other hand, The Detroit Lions have been without a title for decades. Even without any trophies in their cabinet, they still have a significant following in Canada.

Another NFL team adored by Canadians is The Dallas Cowboys (also known as "America's Team"). This is a team that has a real exciting history in their books. Many great players have played for them and brought them five Super Bowls where the last one dates back to 1996. Even though they are far away from “The North”, there are tons of following in Canada.

One of the biggest following among NFL fans in Canada have The New England Patriots. With six Super Bowls in their trophy cabinet, they have produced existing championship plays backed by the GOAT of the game Tom Brady. Many Canadian fans still hold this era as the most competitive one and value the champions The New England Patriots as the greatest team ever to play this game.

The Cultural Impact and The Canadian Connection

The connection between Canadians and these NFL teams is not just about being neighbors; it's about passion and support for these teams. The Seahawks' fan following represents the collective power of fans regardless of their locations. During game nights, you can see many Canadians wearing their favorite NFL team shirts and drinking beer like their peers from the South. It's interesting to note that the CFL offers a different experience, with strong regional followings fostering a more community-based feel. This local connection can be especially strong in cities with their own CFL franchises.

For a true NFL fan in Canada, watching their favorite team play on game night is a celebration. In the interim, as anticipation builds for the next big game, fans often engage in other forms of entertainment. With the rise of sports betting, some fans might use that as another way to engage with the NFL during the off-season. Another one is real money crash games for Canadians which have become a popular pastime, offering a blend of excitement and the chance to win, much like the thrill of a close NFL match. It's important to gamble responsibly if you choose this route.

Regardless of whether their favorite team wins or losses, they feel like they are part of something bigger - the team’s fanbase. After the game is over, the discussion is started on social media or forums, where they say where they team played the best, weakest and what changes they expect in the future. This summarizes how big the cultural impact of the NFL is in Canada. It’s not only when watching but before and after the game chatting with fans and enthusiasts of this great sport.

The Future Looks Bright

As the NFL continues to expand not only in the Americas but also on a more broader international level. We can say that through the power of the internet and other media, the great game has reached out into the hearts of sports enthusiasts all around the world.  As of Canada, as new generations enter the age where they can understand and enjoy this sport, we will see a bigger following and taking the same path as their parents did before - loving football with the greatest of passion.