The National Football League (NFL) has been expanding its international presence in recent years, with numerous games played in the UK and Mexico. However, in a shocking move, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that the league is open to staging a Super Bowl outside of the United States in the future.

This announcement has sparked both excitement and concern among fans, who are divided on the prospect of the biggest American football game being played on foreign soil. While some see it as an opportunity to grow the sport globally, others are worried that it will dilute the unique cultural experience that the Super Bowl represents.

The idea of an international Super Bowl is closely tied to the NFL's plans to expand its season from 17 to 18 games. Goodell envisions a scenario in which 16 international games would be played as part of the expanded schedule, with the possibility of one of those games being the Super Bowl.

While the NFL has not yet confirmed a location for a potential international Super Bowl, rumors are swirling about a possible game in the Middle East. This has raised eyebrows among some fans, who are concerned about the human rights record of some countries in the region.

Despite these concerns, the NFL is pushing ahead with its plans for global expansion. The league has already played numerous games in London's Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as well as in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. These games have been extremely popular, with fans from both the UK and Mexico embracing the opportunity to see their favorite teams play live.

However, playing the Super Bowl outside of the United States would be a much bigger deal. The game is a cultural phenomenon that draws in millions of viewers from across the country, and many fans would be disappointed if they could not attend the game in person.

It remains to be seen whether the NFL will ultimately decide to stage a Super Bowl outside of the United States. However, one thing is certain - the league is committed to growing the sport globally, and that will involve playing games in new and exciting locations.

Only time will tell whether this move pays off for the NFL, but one thing is for certain - it will be exciting to watch the league navigate this new territory.