NFL teams deploy German mascots to win over Munich fans

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 17:01 · Archive

NFL teams are using German versions of their mascots to court international supporters ahead of games in Germany.

Eleven NFL teams have created German versions of their mascots as part of an international fan engagement strategy. The Detroit Lions created Leo, a mascot with a shaggy mane in the colours of the German flag, who joined the team's existing mascot Roary. Leo appeared at fan events in Munich this week, including at the Lions' team pub where he stood on a table and encouraged fans to cheer.

All eleven teams with German marketing rights are holding fan-related events in Munich this weekend ahead of the Lions' game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Germany is the most sought-after country among NFL teams in the league's global markets programme.

Local fans have responded positively to the mascot appearances. Theresa Goebel, a Munich resident, said she appreciated the mascots' presence at events, noting that Germans are accustomed to mascots from Bundesliga soccer clubs. The Lions have also created Reizinho, a mascot for Brazil where the team holds marketing rights. Reizinho wears No. 10 in a nod to Brazilian soccer culture.

How it is being reported

• NFL teams with German mascots named Leo, Wolfgang and Fritz wooing fans in MunichNFL teams are using mascot diplomacy to win over international fans, and several teams have created German versions of their fun and furry characters with names like Wolfgang, Fritz and Leo.Clickorlando · 14 Nov, 16:29
• NFL teams with German mascots named Leo, Wolfgang and Fritz wooing fans in MunichNFL teams are using mascot diplomacy to win over international fans, and several teams have created German versions of their fun and furry characters with names like Wolfgang, Fritz and Leo.News4Jax · 14 Nov, 16:29

In this story: Detroit Lions · New England Patriots · Kansas City Chiefs · Munich · Germany · Brazil

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