Justin Jefferson Expresses Support for NFL Expansion into Canada
While the NFL continues exploring opportunities to grow the game globally, one of the league’s brightest stars has voiced support for potential expansion north of the border. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently expressed optimism about Canada becoming home to an NFL franchise in the near future.
Speaking to the media in London ahead of the Vikings’ International Series game against the New York Jets, Jefferson shared his thoughts on how the league might continue to grow its international presence. The 25-year-old, who already has international experience playing in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022, said he believes Canada could be the next logical step for expansion.
“I can definitely see [the NFL] expanding to Canada,” Jefferson remarked. “I feel like Canada would be the easiest place to expand. Of course, you know, the NBA has a Canadian team. So I mean, I think it will come in the near future hopefully.”
Jefferson’s comments reflect the broader ambitions of the NFL to extend its reach outside the United States. He emphasized the value of exposing international fans to American football, noting that few countries play the sport at the same level as the U.S.
“Expanding our game to all the other different countries and just kind of exposing the game that we play,” he said. “We’re the only country that really plays the sport the way we do. So expanding it and getting some fans in other countries is very good.”
Canada is already a focal point for the NFL’s international marketing strategy. As part of the International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) initiative launched in 2022, teams such as the Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks were granted marketing rights in Canada. This allows them to build their brand and grow a fanbase within the country—a possible precursor to more serious expansion plans.
When asked specifically about potential cities that could host a Canadian NFL team, Jefferson acknowledged Toronto as a leading candidate but left the door open for other possibilities. “Toronto wouldn’t be a bad place to start,” he noted. “But I mean Canada is so big and has so many different cities. I feel like they can pick one of them and it will go.”
Jefferson, who is off to an impressive start to the season with 358 receiving yards and four touchdowns, sees the NFL’s global push not only as a marketing opportunity but also as a way to grow the game itself. His enthusiasm reflects a growing sentiment among players and fans that American football could find a meaningful home beyond U.S. borders.
As the NFL continues its international series and evaluates long-term expansion strategies, Jefferson’s comments provide insight into how players are embracing a more global approach to the game. For Canadian fans, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, the idea of hosting an NFL team may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed.
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