This weekend see’s the NFL back in London as the New York Jets play host to the Denver Broncos at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It’s a long-awaited chance for fans of the NFL to gather in the capital for the star-studded event as well as fan experiences for supporters of both teams.
Ahead of the anticipated match up this weekend, we caught up with the electric New York Jets safety player Andre Cisco to discuss his experiences of London life, playing at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, NFL lessons and much more.
Andre, how are yourself and the team preparing for Sunday’s visit of the Denver Broncos?
“We’ve just been focused on the game and the things that we need to improve on. From week to week, we’ve seen different issues pop up, so we’re trying to continue to eliminate the small mistakes so we can go out and get a win.”
You’ll be playing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. How does the atmosphere compare to being in New York and playing at the MetLife stadium?
“It’s going to feel like a championship stage game. It feels like something is at stake because it’s such a big stadium! It’s fun playing there. The U.K fans are very enthusiastic. Over the years, they’ve grown with their knowledge of the game. It’s pretty cool.”
This is your fifth consecutive visit to London! What’s been a highlight on your travels to the capital?
“I just love the atmosphere in London. It’s very similar to where I play in New York. I love the similarities. I also love the countryside! We stay a little bit outside of London and the countryside is beautiful.”
Giggs will be performing at the half-time show on Sunday. Have you managed to listen to any U.K artists on your stay?
“I love Stormzy! That’s one of my people. I also love Sondae, he’s from the U.K and one of my favourite artists.”
Stayin with music, has there been a particular song which has motivated you throughout your journey to becoming an NFL athlete?
“I’ve changed so much so it’s probably different compared to before I got into the NFL. I am a huge believer in Jesus, so I listen to a lot of Gospel music. One that always sticks with me is The Best In Me by Marvin Sapp. Some of those oldies that remind you that God has something for you through all the adversity.”
You play the role of safety in the sport. Could you detail the most important duties of your position?
“I’ll start with the mental. You have to do well in chaos, you have to be a loud and fast processor and a great communicator. From a physical standpoint, you want to be fast, big but not overly big! You have to have some muscle on you. If you have that good blend of speed, size and processing speed, then you can play safety.”
Has this been your position since the start of your career?
“I really only started playing it in my last year of high school. That’s not very late but a little bit later than some. From high school, I stuck with the position and played it through college and my entire NFL career so far.”
How did you first find your passion for American Football and when did you know you had the talents to become successful?
“I started loving football from a very young age, probably around eight years old. I knew some kids on the team, and I wanted to play so bad. I fell in love with it immediately. Growing up, I always knew I was good. At the start of high school, I thought I wasn’t that talented until halfway through high school and I flipped a switch. I knew if I took it serious, I could go far. God did the rest!”
How did you mentally switch on after some moments of doubt?
“I think for me, it was about being around the right people who wanted the best for me. When people see something in you, they don’t allow you to quit. I had a few coaches that didn’t allow me to fall off the slide. They were asking me to go practice, asking me to go workouts and eventually I fell back in love with it.”
From season one to season five, what has been your most important lesson learned through playing in the NFL?
“Everything happens in its own time. There’s no two journeys that are the same. We love to use other people’s stories to motivate us along the way, but I’ve learned more and more every year that my story is going to be so much different. So, just locking in with God and allowing him to write that story is really the best thing we can do for ourselves.”
What advice can you give to those trying to become professional athletes?
“I would say the discipline that you need within the sport, you need to start doing that outside of the sport. It’s about the type of person that you are, your character. It takes a certain level of integrity and mental fortitude to be a professional athlete. What’s different for us is when we wake up feeling bad, nobody cares. You still have to go out there and perform to the best if your ability. I would say to continue to push yourself in those things now, so when it’s asked of you, you’re ready for it.”
Finally, who are three artists currently at the top of your playlist for gameday?
“It’s going to be three that you don’t know! Andy Mineo, Tory D’Shaun and Sondae who is the U.K artist! Those are my three right now.”
The Jets are building excitement for the matchup with the Broncos throughout this week with a host of exciting events and activations planned across London. Fans can keep updated on the latest news by visiting www.nyjetsinternational.com or by following the team on social platforms, @NYJetsinUKandIE on X and @newyorkjetsinuk on Instagram.