Tigers, Spartans, and Eagles: American Football in Germany – The Story of a Growing Sport

The popularity of American football in Germany is on the rise – from local clubs to sold-out NFL games. But how has the sport developed in this country? Which teams and leagues exist? And what makes this game so uniquely exciting? Find out in our blog!

Football, American football, soccer – one ball, one sport?

Not even close! To the untrained ear, these terms might sound similar, but they actually refer to completely different sports, each with its own history, rules, and a massive fan base.

Football, known as soccer in American English, is Germany’s national sport. Chances are that almost everyone has watched a soccer match live or on TV at some point. And when the European Championships or World Cup comes around, the entire nation is swept up in football fever.

American football, however, tells a different story. While football can refer to soccer, it also includes sports like rugby, Canadian football, and American football. The latter, originating in the United States, has little in common with soccer. Although not nearly as widespread as soccer, American football has gained significant popularity in Germany in recent years – both among clubs and players as well as with fans.

American football was first played in 1869 at universities in the eastern United States. On November 6, 1869, Rutgers University and Princeton University competed in the first-ever recorded game. In the following years, universities like Harvard, Yale, and Columbia held their own tournaments. The sport evolved from elements of soccer and rugby, while Canada developed its own variant, Canadian football. Until the founding of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, American football was synonymous with college football, which was organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

American Football in Germany

While American football is one of the most popular sports in the U.S., its development in Germany started relatively late. The first clubs were established in the 1970s, and in 1979, the American Football Verband Deutschland (AFVD) was founded. Since then, the community has grown steadily, and the German Football League (GFL) is now the country's top league.

The rising hype around the NFL has further contributed to American football’s increasing popularity in Germany. Since 2022, the NFL has even hosted official league games in Germany. The excitement was enormous when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks played in Munich in a sold-out stadium. The event proved that American football is no longer a niche sport in Germany.

Fans have even more to look forward to: By 2029, at least five more NFL games will take place in Germany, including up to three in Berlin’s Olympiastadion. The first of these games is set for the 2025 season.

The Super Bowl, the annual NFL championship game, is far more than just a sports event – it’s a global spectacle. Millions of fans worldwide tune in not only for the game, but also for the legendary Halftime Show, which has become a pop culture phenomenon. Even people who normally have no interest in football are drawn in by the massive marketing and high-profile performances. In recent years, icons like Rihanna, Eminem, and Dr. Dre have graced the stage – and their performances dominate social media for weeks afterward.

After this year’s performance by U.S. rapper Kendrick Lamar, the whole world seemed to have his song “Not Like Us” stuck in their heads, as the entire stadium and millions watching from home sang along.

The hype around American football has fully arrived in Germany. Many cities now host watch parties, where fans gather to watch NFL games together. Especially for the Super Bowl, many people are willing to stay up all night to experience the spectacle live.

The Reutlingen Eagles – American Football on a Regional Level

Germany has a growing American football scene, and the Reutlingen Eagles are a prime example. Founded in 2012, the club has provided football enthusiasts in the region with the opportunity to play this unique sport. Since 2016, the Eagles have competed in league play and already celebrated some sporting successes. They currently play in the Regionalliga Süd-West, the third-highest league in Germany.

In addition to their men's team, the Eagles place a strong emphasis on youth development and offer both junior and women’s football. Since 2023, the Eagles have had a dedicated women’s team, which competed in league play for the first time in 2024. The club is also involved in flag football, a non-contact version of the sport, with teams for children and teenagers.

RAMPF is proudly supporting the Reutlingen Eagles since 2024, helping to strengthen the growing football community. The RAMPF Game Day, themed “Saturday Night Lights” on April 5, 2025, is not only a celebration of the sport’s history, but also a tribute to the dedication of the Reutlingen Eagles. A club thrives because of its players, coaches, fans, and supporters – and it’s exactly this team spirit that makes American football so unique.