London native's rooting interest
Ajayi says England is ready for an NFL franchise.
Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi believes London is ready for an NFL franchise.
Ajayi, who was born in London, will play for the Dolphins on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium. He believes there is room for European and American football in England.
“I think it’s definitely possible,”
Ajayi said. “The infrastructure, I think, is there for London. I think it’s going to be interesting to see how they set it up with an American team and Americans having to go over there and be on a London team and all of that stuff. I definitely think the city of London, they’re all ready for it, and they’re excited for American football, you can tell. All the games
sold out. I think it’ll be interesting to see what happens down the line.”
The NFL has had tremendous
success drawing crowds to American football games in England, which has led some to wonder if an NFL franchise such as Jacksonville could actually end up relocating there.
Ajayi, whose popularity in England is immense, is hoping to inspire young Englanders to try the tackle sport.
“Going back this summer, I got to go meet the London Blitz football team and see everything that they’ve got going on over there,” Ajayi said. “(It) was exciting for me. It was almost like gratifying because I remember growing up not too far from the park they were practicing at and thinking, ‘Wow, they’re really out here now and they’re working at their craft.’ They’re chasing their dream and looking at me as a role model almost. It’s inspiring and it’s also exciting to know that they’re taking American football serious and some of them really are striving to work their way up there, maybe fly over to the States and work their way through high school or college and make it to the NFL.”
Two years ago, Ajayi was unable to play for the Dolphins in a game in England. He was a rookie and he was injured. Ajayi missed practice Wednesday while resting a sore knee, but returned to practice Thursday.
After rushing for 122 yards in the opener against the Chargers, Ajayi was held to 11 carries for just 16 yards in last week’s disappointing loss to the New York Jets.
Ajayi looks to bounce back in front of his hometown fans.
“It’s exciting,” Ajayi said. “I’m getting to go home. My whole family is flying out. It’s a special thing, and I think it will be even more special when I get there and it’s about to kick off and all of that. I think that will be a great moment for me and for my family as well because I’m bringing everyone. So I think everyone is excited for it.”
Ajayi is interested in fashion and is launching a lifestyle brand called “YURP” in London today.
“It stands for Your Unlocked Raw Power,” Ajayi said. “Basically, it’s my platform that I’ve been working on — myself and my YURP team — for over a year and a half now. It’s going to be exciting to launch in London. That’s where the roots are from; that’s where my roots are from. It all made sense (with) this whole weekend, getting to come back and being able to set it up. I’m excited for it to finally come to fruition (today).”
Noteworthy: The Dolphins headed to the airport after Thursday’s practice for the flight. Coaches hoped players would sleep on much of the flight over, with the plan being they’d check into their hotel this morning, then get in a workout near London.