The NFL Today made the announcement that was first reported on Sunday official – the Browns will play in London in 2017. The team will give up a home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The game will be played on one of two dates, either October 22nd or October 29th. That determination will be made later on in early 2017.
Here’s the official announcement from the NFL on the move for Cleveland to play a game in London:
The Browns will participate in their first regular season international game in franchise history when they host the Minnesota Vikings in one of four 2017 NFL International Series games in London.
The exact date and time will be announced at a later date, but the regular season matchup is slated for either Week 7 or 8 at Twickenham Stadium. The NFL has actively expressed interest in the Browns participating in a London game for the past three seasons, and the league again requested Cleveland’s participation in 2017. As the Browns have been designated as an International Series host team, the Browns will hold nine home games in Cleveland next season.
“The NFL is commendably dedicated to developing football at all levels within the United States and throughout the globe, and we share in that commitment to help make our game as great as possible and the opportunities to bring it to more people, both within our community and in other regions,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “We appreciate the opportunity provided by the league selecting our team to join the many others who have represented their cities and the league internationally, as well as the unique experience it will give to our great fans who will join us in London and those who live overseas.”
“We are excited to represent our team, our city and our fans in London,” said Head Coach Hue Jackson. “This will be a great opportunity for our players to compete in a new environment and to benefit from the experience of playing in a game that receives as much attention as these international games.”
Including 2017 teams, 27 of 32 NFL teams have played in London or Mexico at least once since 2007, and 22 have played in an international game since 2013. All 32 NFL teams ultimately will be selected to participate in International Series games.
The Browns released a statement from the Haslam’s as well as coach Hue Jackson about playing in London in 2017
“The NFL is commendably dedicated to developing football at all levels within the United States and throughout the globe, and we share in that commitment to help make our game as great as possible and the opportunities to bring it to more people, both within our community and in other regions,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “We appreciate the opportunity provided by the league selecting our team to join the many others who have represented their cities and the league internationally, as well as the unique experience it will give to our great fans who will join us in London and those who live overseas.”
“We are excited to represent our team, our city and our fans in London,” said Head Coach Hue Jackson. “This will be a great opportunity for our players to compete in a new environment and to benefit from the experience of playing in a game that receives as much attention as these international games.”
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