MUNICH – The Detroit Lions’ upcoming game in Munich in 2026 holds particular significance for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose mother was born in Germany. The game, confirmed by the NFL on Tuesday, fulfills a long-held dream for the star player to compete in his mother’s home country.
“It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” St. Brown said in a league statement. “wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to recognize through my visits and football camps in the country. Their support for me and the country’s instant connection to the Lions brand is inspiring and I’m looking forward to our team getting to showcase Detroit football on an international scale.”
The announcement, which came via a video message from his mother, Miriam, brought a sense of joy and fulfillment to St. Brown. The Lions president and CEO Rod Wood echoed that sentiment, stating the organization is “thrilled to be playing internationally and specifically in Munich for the 2026 season.” The team has invested significantly in the German market, recognizing the growing fanbase and the potential for expanding the NFL’s reach in Europe.
This won’t be the first time the NFL has brought a game to Munich. The city previously hosted NFL games in 2022 and 2024, establishing itself as a key location for the league’s international series. Frankfurt and Berlin have also served as hosts, demonstrating Germany’s growing appetite for American football. The 2026 schedule will feature a record nine international games, expanding to new host cities in France, Australia, and Brazil, signaling the NFL’s commitment to global growth.
Beyond the excitement of playing in front of a European audience, St. Brown is particularly looking forward to sharing his love for German cuisine with his teammates. In a recent video, translated from German, St. Brown revealed his favorite German dish: Currywurst with french fries and mayonnaise. “I love Currywurst and Pommes with mayonnaise. So that would be my favorite food in Germany, maybe,” he said.
The prospect of experiencing the game alongside his mother, who lives in Leverkusen, Germany, adds another layer of emotion to the occasion. Miriam Steyer is already planning a special outfit for the game – a custom-made Dirndl, a traditional Bavarian dress, which she intends to wear proudly as a supporter of both her son and his team. “I have already thought about having a Lions Dirndl made, which I will of course wear in Germany as a German,” she said.
The Detroit Lions’ opponent for the Munich game has not yet been announced, and the date will be revealed when the full NFL schedule is released in the coming months. However, the anticipation is already building among fans in Germany and within the Lions organization. The game represents not only a chance to showcase American football on an international stage but also a deeply personal moment for Amon-Ra St. Brown, a player who embodies the growing connection between the NFL and its global fanbase.
St. Brown’s connection to Germany extends beyond his mother’s birthplace. He has regularly visited the country to host football camps, fostering a relationship with young players and fans. This dedication has resonated with the German public, who have embraced St. Brown as one of their own. The NFL Germany General Manager, Alexander Steinforth, highlighted Germany’s position as a key market in the league’s international growth, noting that it boasts Europe’s largest fanbase.
The Lions’ participation in the Munich game is part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which grants teams marketing and promotional rights in specific international regions. Detroit holds those rights in Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland, demonstrating the team’s strategic focus on expanding its brand globally.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Detroit Lions and their fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the energy of an NFL game in Munich. For Amon-Ra St. Brown, it’s a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream, share his heritage, and introduce his teammates to the delights of German cuisine – starting with a plate of Currywurst and Pommes.
The next step for the Lions is the release of the full 2026 NFL schedule, which will confirm the date and opponent for the Munich game. Fans can stay updated on official announcements through the NFL’s website and the Detroit Lions’ social media channels.
