The NFL is moving into a new global era.

In this Tim Talks episode, Tim breaks down the league’s internationalization strategy.

He also reflects on what he experienced firsthand at the NFL Madrid Game, a moment that revealed how quickly American football is becoming a truly global sport.

In this episode, Tim explores:

• How the NFL is building global ecosystems, not just hosting games

• The rise of international athletes in NCAA and NFL

• Fan growth through export + localization

• Europe as the league’s anchor market

• Why flag football in the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics matters

• What the NFL Madrid Game showed about culture, fandom, and belonging

This episode offers a clear look at how sport, strategy, and global mobility are shaping the future of American football.

It’s happening. We walking.

References

Blog: The London, I Mean Jacksonville Jaguars

Blog: NFL Academy - International Football Athlete Pathway to NCAA

Blog: NFL Practice Squads x International Athletes

In this special episode of Tim Talks, Tim steps back behind the mic to offer reflection and a future-facing look at one of the most important shifts happening in higher education today: the convergence of international education and college sport.

Drawing from 15 years of global experiences — from Ecuador to Cuba, from the NFL Academy to NBA Africa, from Fulbright advising to launching the Global Sport and Education Summit — Tim breaks down how international mobility and athletics have become intertwined in ways institutions can no longer ignore.

This episode explores:

• How professional and collegiate sports are accelerating global engagement

• The rising impact and visibility of international college athletes

• Why Black international athlete experiences deserve focused attention

• The five biggest truths shaping this intersection right now

• What “international athlete development” actually means

• The momentum and the challenges campuses must navigate

• Tim’s major announcement: a fully sponsored institutional partnership for Spring 2026

• A preview of the podcast’s official return in 2026

Part reflection, part roadmap, and part call to action, this episode is a snapshot of where the field is — and where Tim believes it must go next.

Whether you work in athletics, global engagement, student support, or simply care about the future of college sport, this conversation offers clarity, urgency, and possibility.

It's happening. We walking!

Follow @WalkWithTFB on Instagram and LinkedIn!

References

NCAA Article: History of College Football Games outside of the United States

During this walk, Dr. Javier Wallace joins Walk With TFB to explore the intersections of sport, migration, and education through the lens of his forthcoming book, Basketball Trafficking: Stolen Black Panamanian Dreams.

A Black Panamanian historian and former college athlete, Dr. Wallace shares his journey from the court to the classroom and unpacks how the U.S. college basketball system exploits international college athletes, particularly those navigating the F-1 visa process.

Together, we examine how race, nationality, and opportunity collide to create vulnerabilities for athletes seeking to fulfill their dreams through sport. Dr. Wallace’s insights challenge us to see beyond the competition and confront the global structures that enable exploitation in higher education and college athletics.

Key Themes: International college athletes, F-1 visas, trafficking in sport, Black international identity, Global education

Learn more about Dr. Wallace’s work at https://www.javierwallace.com/

Follow Walk With TFB on Instagram for more global conversations at the intersection of sport, education, and equity.

During this walk, we explore how international college athletes navigate the unique mental health challenges shaped by both sport and migration. Transitioning into, or returning to, higher education often comes with pressures of performance, belonging, and identity. When immigration is layered into that experience, the stakes become even higher.To unpack this, we’re joined by the Katherine Thompson. Katherine is the Founder of Spero Psychological Services, a practice built on hope and empowerment to meet the unmet mental health needs of diverse communities. From immigration hardship evaluations to organizational consulting on workplace well-being, Spero is committed to lighting the path to healing for those who feel overlooked or underserved.As a Colombian American, our guest brings both professional expertise and personal experience, weaving cultural understanding into her work to ensure marginalized populations receive the care they deserve. Together, we ask: What can higher education and sport industries learn from immigrant community care models to better support international athletes today?Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of sport, education, and global mobility.

In this episode, we explore the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) —a powerhouse in sports, academics, and student support.

As a key stop on the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, UCLan stands out for its commitment to developing student-athletes, fostering global connections, and providing a vibrant university experience.

Tune in as we uncover:

🔥 Elite Sports Programs – State-of-the-art training facilities, competitive teams, and pathways for student-athletes
🌍 University Culture & Student Life – A look at campus traditions, student experiences, and what makes UCLan unique
📚 Comprehensive Student Support – Academic resources, athlete services, and international student programs
🤝 Global Partnerships – How UCLan collaborates with institutions worldwide to create international opportunities

Whether you're an athlete, educator, or sports professional, this episode gives you insider access to what makes UCLan a leader in both sport and education.

Loughborough University is world-renowned for its excellence in sports, academics, and student experience. As a key stop during the 2025 Internationalization and Athletics Summit, this institution continues to shape the future of sports leadership and global education.In this episode, we dive into:🏆 Loughborough’s elite sports programs and training facilities🎓 The university’s dynamic culture and student experience🌍 How internationalization is shaping the future of student-athletes💡 Key student services that support both athletic and academic successWhether you're an aspiring student-athlete, a sports professional, or simply interested in higher education and athletics, this conversation is packed with insights!🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on global sports leadership and university experiences!

During this walk, Ashley Germain talks to us about her experience as an international college athlete.

Originally from Montreal, Ashley matriculated into U.S. higher education as a track and field athlete at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to:

International college athletes continue to enter U.S. higher education at increasing rates.

This episodes shines light on their unique experience and shares recommendations for how NCAA athletic departments can best support international athletes during their entire lifecycle in the United States higher education system.

During this walk, Dr. Walker talks to us about how to increase access for Black students and Black college athletes to study abroad.

If you don't have Black students interested in studying abroad, you ain't doing it right!

During this episode, George talks to us about NFL globalization.

Commonly known as "George on Sports," George is a Sport and Lifestyle Personality, Creator, Host & Former UK Running Back.

George was also named "arguably the most influential Colts fan in Europe," per a 2023 IndyStar featured article.

Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to:

This an episode we will look back on and say "George told us so!"

NFL's International Impact

Follow George on IG: @GeorgeOnSports

We're walking!

During this walk, Lucy shares why education abroad is for all athletes.

A United Kingdom native, Lucy is a returning guest to the Walk With TFB Podcast. During her first appearance, we learned more about her story, career experiences, and moments that led her to create Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA) in 2022.

Lucy is the Founder of ⁠Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA)⁠. AFA is the study discovery platform that empowers student-athletes to explore overseas study. AFA equips athletes with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to pursue their education in the UK, regardless of their desire to continue competing.

Discussion points in this episode include but are not limited to:

Lucy recognizes the value of education abroad.

AFA is committed to connecting all students and athletes to opportunities in the United Kingdom, including NCAA athletes who have exhausted their eligibility.

This episode surely sets the tone for the rest of Season 6!

Tell a friend to tell an athlete about Athlete Futures Abroad!

Visit AFA's website! ⁠www.athletefuturesabroad.com ⁠

Follow AFA on ⁠Instagram⁠!