Sunday afternoon will see ‘London’s team’ the Jacksonville Jaguars face off against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
The final game of the NFL London series will see the return of London born running back Jay Ajayi.
However the home city hero will not be able to take the field due to a devastating season ending injury.
It’s expected that Ajayi will still be in the stadium to support his team and will be welcomed by a huge ovation from his home crowd.
Heart-breaking Injury
Ajayi has had a good start to the season; racking up nearly 200 yards for three touchdowns in his first few games. The former pro bowl player is proving why he is a valuable member of the squad.
However, this momentum came to a crashing halt when the man from Hackney tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Not only does this mean that Ajayi will not be able to compete on Sunday but it also means that he will have to miss the remainder of the season.
Ajayi came into the league with concerns over his right knee but proved people wrong with a great career with the Miami Dolphins, which was enough for the Eagles to want to trade for him, but now with the ACL tear to his left knee it will mean a tough recovery for the 25-year-old, who will become a free agent next season.
Smart Planning
With a history of injury Ajayi and his team decided to plan ahead taking out insurance policies the past two seasons that can help make up the difference for any money lost in free agency due to his injuries hurting market value.
The loss of value insurance policy proved to be a very smart decision, becoming a free agent the year after a season ending ACL tear would lower almost every players market value, and now Ajayi could be paid up to five million dollars for damages to his market value next year.
Celebrations
Good news for both the fans and Ajayi himself is that he has made the trip and will be in London for the final game of the NFL London series.
Ajayi is one of only five players of British descent to win a Super Bowl title which puts him in an elite group of one of London’s most influential and successful American football players to hit the field.
Legacy
London has already shown their appreciation ahead of the game with the Museum of London honouring the champion with a display in the museum.
This meant a lot to Ajayi who when talking with The Mirror was quoted as saying, “To be recognised in this way by the Museum of London is a truly special moment for both myself and my family and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I am so proud.”
This was a very big moment as Ajayi has stated on numerous occasions that he is still very connected to his London roots and how he is very much still a Londoner despite spending the majority of his life in the USA.
Team Support
Even though ‘Jaytrain’ will not play a down of football he has made it clear that he will certainly be there cheering on his Philly family as they look to repeat last year’s success and reach Super Bowl glory.
The east-London born player’s presence will create a buzz around the stadium, enhancing an already booming atmosphere.
The sold-out crowd are sure to give a roaring ovation to the man who has helped raise the profile of American football in London, especially for those who hope to one day make the league.
