Kraft reaffirms desire for London franchise

By Jamie McCracken, USA TODAY

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants an NFL team located across the pond.

During his tour through London to promote the league's International Series, Kraft told Neil Reynolds of Sky Sports he hopes to see a franchise located in London within the next decade.

"I personally think we should have a franchise in London and that is something I am going to push for," Kraft said. "I think I said that the last time we were over here in 2009 and before this next decade is out, I hope we have a team here. I think that would be right for the NFL and this fan base has proven they deserve it."

This will be the sixth consecutive season the NFL has played a game in England -- the Patriots will play the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Oct. 28. at Wembley Stadium. The NFL confirmed there will be at least one game every season in London until 2016. (The International Series began in 2005, but there was no game played in 2006.)

Kraft said in order to expand the game, owner's are at least trying to get two games in London starting next year.

"The only bad part of putting a franchise in London is that I can assure you it won't be the Patriots who are moving here," Kraft said.

The Rams will play in the annual overseas game for the next three years.

Here's how the games unfolded since the league took its talents to other countries:

* 2005: Arizona Cardinals 31, San Francisco 49ers 14 (Mexico)
* 2007: Miami Dolphins 10, New York Giants 13 (London)
* 2008: Sand Diego Chargers 32, New Orleans Saints 37 (London)
* 2009: New England Patriots 35, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7(London)
* 2010: San Francisco 49ers 24, Denver Broncos 16(London)
* 2011: Chicago Bears 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 18 (London -- This is the only game that has featured two teams from the same conference.)

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