Super Bowl Not Super in Scotland

Despite the contrary articles (click on picture for one), I never found many Scots in Scotland who knew anything about the NFL. They may know about the Super Bowl, probably because it is one of the few games available. Ex-pats and students cared greatly about the NFL on Sunday, but I recall sitting with ten US students in the basement of the University watching the games alone, while a hundred students upstairs watched the English Premiere League.




I was recently informed the Scots are excited about the New York Giants because of Lawrence Tynes, the kicker. He's the only Scot in the NFL.

Lawrence Tynes

The BBC aired the Super Bowl for the first time this year and I know ex-pats were very happy to be watching it on free telly.

If you click on the STV website, no mention of the Super Bowl is given. The Six Nations Rugby tournament gets more press. From my experiences, it is the case. American football is still an American game despite all the press. Yes, London may have its hot spots but probably the reason is the businessmen and women who travel may boost up the interest.

In Scotland, the NFL is as common to them as cricket is to us. Really. The NBA is another story. Scots like basketball and follow the NBA. I have seen many basketball jerseys being worn around. I saw a Lebron James jersey on some kid waiting for a train and I thought I'd say something but thought better of it.

If you wear a NFL shirt or hat or anything like that, you will be immediately identified as American. Baseball caps are rare, however, the only caps you will see are New York Yankee caps. Why? Because they see it as a trendy logo and not as a hated or loved team. It means New York to them. It means they've traveled or just want to look cool. Look at this guy running for office.

If you don't want to be identified immediately as an American, I suggest you leave the baseball caps at home. Unless you are a Yankee fan, of course. However, I strongly recommend you don't wear the cap. If you saw Trainspotting, you may remember the American tourist that walked into the bar wearing his baseball cap and jacket, only to be beaten up. Well, you may not be beaten, but there will be a bit of disdain for your gaudy American fan wear. Just a thought.