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The NFL is returning to the UK after playing the first regular-season game outside of North America in October 2007 at Wembley Stadium. This year two of the most exciting teams in the league – the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers – are headed for London.
The teams:
New Orleans Saints: The home team at Wembley. New Orleans’ top sporting franchise has been through a lot in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, during which their stadium was used to house the homeless. In 2006 – on their return to play in the city following the devastation – the team gave fans something to cheer about by going all the way to the semi-finals.
San Diego Chargers: One of the top teams currently playing in the NFL, the Chargers boast an impressive array of talent. San Diego made it to the semi-finals last January, narrowly losing to the New England Patriots. With improvements during the off-season they will hope that their trip to Wembley will be a stepping-stone to the Super Bowl this year.
Star players:
Drew Brees: New Orleans’ quarterback is one of the best in the NFL with a strong arm and the intelligence to lead his team to victories. Brees started his career playing for the San Diego Chargers, 
leaving them in 2006. The game at Wembley will be his first rematch against his former team.
Reggie Bush: The Saints’ star running back is one of the most exciting players in the NFL, and his #25 jersey is among the top selling items, proving his popularity goes further afield than New Orleans. Born and raised in San Diego, Bush is sponsored by Adidas, and was filmed in an advert shown in the USA with David Beckham entitled ‘Futbol meets Football’.
LaDainian Tomlinson: San Diego’s running back is considered the best player at his position, and one of the greatest ever to play in the NFL. Tomlinson is a thrilling runner whose power and pace helped him establish an NFL record with 31 touchdowns during the 16-game 2006 NFL season.
Shawne Merriman: The Chargers’ star on defense, Merriman is one of the hardest-hitting players in the NFL. The linebacker is quick to tackle opposing running backs and is adept at sacking quarterbacks.
10 reasons to watch the game:
1. The Chargers and Saints are two of the highest scoring teams in the NFL over the past two years.
2. Both teams have been to the semi-finals in the past two years and are on the verge of making it to the Super Bowl.
3. Last year’s winning team at Wembley – the New York Giants – went on to win the Super Bowl.
4. The game features two of the most exciting players in the NFL in LaDainian Tomlinson and Reggie Bush.
5. Saints quarterback Drew Brees is playing a grudge against his former team – San Diego.
6. Shawne Merriman is one of the most dynamic and hard-hitting defensive players in the NFL.
7. Saints head coach Sean Payton actually started his coaching career in the UK with the amateur team the Leicester Panthers.
8. Reggie Bush is good friends with David Beckham – perhaps Becks will be back at Wembley.
9. You can show your support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
AND…..
10. Most NFL games only have the home team’s cheerleaders in attendance – both the Chargers and Saints will bring their troops of cheerleaders to Wembley doubling your viewing pleasure!
Click here to watch video highlights of the 2007 International Series game