The Cincinnati Bengals are set to face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid in their first-ever game in Spain. The transatlantic clash has players like Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence buzzing about the surreal experience of playing on European soil and the possibility of international stars like Kylian Mbappé in the stands, WLWT reported.
A New Chapter for the Bengals in Madrid
For Higgins, the trip across the Atlantic is a milestone. “Once I landed, I was just like I can’t believe I actually crossed the Atlantic, this is my first time ever crossing the Atlantic, in Europe, so it’s just amazing to me,” he said. The wide receiver, who hails from a small town, brought his family along for the journey, calling the entire experience “surreal.” Lawrence, meanwhile, is focusing on adapting to the quick turnaround after the long flight, joking, “I miss my bed, my bed is undefeated.”
Both players emphasized how important the moment was. “Great opportunity for us. We know who we are, but this is another opportunity to show the world who we are,” Higgins stated. The Bengals, who have played two previous international games but never in Spain, are embracing the global spotlight as they prepare to face the Falcons on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
The Global Appeal of American Football
The NFL has been playing in Madrid.
The presence of potential celebrity attendees like Mbappé adds a layer of crossover appeal. Higgins didn’t hide his excitement. “It’d be dope to have him there. I watch him on TV all the time. We were just talking about how fast this dude is. It’s amazing, just having that type of player at the game would be great to see us play,” he said.
Leading to Games in Spain
A successful game in Madrid could lead to more regular-season games in Spain.
The Logistics of a Transatlantic Showdown
Playing in Madrid presents unique challenges for the teams. The Bengals and Falcons arrived in Spain with minimal rest, forcing players to adjust quickly to the time difference and new environment. “I didn’t sleep that much on the plane, because I’m not a guy who likes to fly, so I was a little nervous going across the Atlantic,” Higgins admitted. The short turnaround means teams must balance recovery with preparation, a delicate act that could impact performance on game day.
Despite the logistical hurdles, the players remain upbeat. Lawrence highlighted the importance of finding a routine while enjoying the experience. “Both said they are excited to be in the national spotlight,” WLWT noted.
| Key Data Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Time in Madrid | 9:30 AM ET |
| Previous NFL European Games | |
| Economic Impact Estimate |
What This Means for the Future
The league has been exploring permanent franchises in Europe.
For the players, the experience is about more than just football. Higgins noted the importance of making a good first impression. “Knowing where I came from, even bringing my family out here. It’s their first time as well. It’s surreal. Definitely going to enjoy our time here even though it’s short and make the most of it,” he said. This sentiment shows the moment was especially meaningful for athletes who rise from humble beginnings to international stages.
The Bengals and Falcons are playing a football game in Madrid this weekend. Whether international stars like Mbappé are in the crowd or not, the impact of this game will resonate far beyond the final score.
