Exploring the Growing Passion for American Football Among Indian Families

A Sunday Tradition: The Palakurthi Family's Football Ritual

On a Sunday afternoon, the Palakurthi family eagerly prepares for a highly awaited event. Surprisingly, it’s not cricket that’s on their minds.

Instead, they are gearing up for American football, a sport often misunderstood by those outside the U.S., who may view it merely as a clash of hefty players.

Prashanth Palakurthi, 64, a retired entrepreneur and a dedicated fan for over three decades, insists, "Football is a perfect blend of intellect and physicality. It’s a game rich in strategy."

The sport has surprisingly garnered a dedicated following among Indian expatriates in America, spanning generations, with many going to great lengths to support their teams, often investing significant amounts of money.

Their enthusiasm mirrors the fervor seen in India for teams like Chennai Super Kings or Mumbai Indians during the IPL.

"Let’s go!" Palakurthi urged his family as they piled into three cars for a 45-kilometer drive from Weston, a Boston suburb, to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, where the New England Patriots were set to face off against the Green Bay Packers.

Having immigrated to the U.S. in 1996, Prashanth first ignited his wife Anuradha’s passion for football. Their children grew up immersed in the sport, and now, even their son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and extended family are devoted Patriots fans.

The latest additions to the Palakurthi fan club are his two granddaughters, one of whom celebrated her first birthday at the game, proudly donning a navy blue Patriots jersey.

In America, football holds a cultural significance akin to cricket in India, with games resembling vibrant spectacles, complete with fireworks, cheerleaders, and even military flyovers.

Top football players command staggering salaries, with some earning up to USD 60 million annually.

But what draws Indians to a sport that seems so foreign?

For many, sports fulfill a fundamental human desire, and upon relocating to the U.S., Indians naturally sought a sport to embrace.

Arun Santhanam, who moved to the U.S. in 1993, found himself with three options: baseball, basketball, and football.

"As a cricket enthusiast, I couldn’t appreciate baseball. Basketball only captivates in the final moments, so that was out too. Football became my only choice," he explained.

After some time, he grasped the sport's complexities and became an avid fan, noting that nearly every Indian he knows shares his enthusiasm.

Football serves as a social connector, with colleagues engaging in discussions about the previous day's games during Monday morning meetings, a practice known as 'Monday morning quarterbacking.'

Neighbors often gather for barbecues and football viewing parties.

"It takes a lot of effort to dislike football in America; it’s much easier to embrace it," Anuradha remarked.

Prashanth champions football as the "best sport in the world," highlighting that all 11 players on each team are in constant competition during play.

Interestingly, the game is orchestrated from the sidelines by coaches who relay strategies to the quarterback through earpieces.

The sport's rules are intricate, and its management is equally complex. Each team comprises around 65 players, but only 48 participate in a game: 11 offense players, 11 defense players, and 11 special teams players, along with 15 substitutes.

Imagine a cricket team with 11 batsmen, 11 bowlers, 11 fielders, and 15 reserves.

Watching games on television is the most economical option, allowing fans to see every play up close. However, the true excitement lies in attending games live, where season passes can cost up to USD 20,000 per person for 20 games.

The elite often purchase luxury suites at stadiums at exorbitant prices.

Anuradha, a renowned singer in New England with ties to Bollywood, owns an 18-seat air-conditioned suite at Gillette Stadium, where she hosts family and friends.

"Football is my second greatest passion after music," she shared.

Football is a well-structured industry, with 32 teams in the National Football League (NFL) that recruit players from colleges, some of which are more famous for their athletic prowess than academic achievements.

Each year, NFL teams draft approximately 220 to 250 college players through a systematic selection process based on team performance.

The team with the worst record from the previous season gets the first pick of college talent, while the top team selects last.

While the Indian fan base is growing, football has limited connections to India. However, in the recent mid-term elections, Amish Shah, an Indian-origin candidate, triumphed over former NFL player Jay Feely in Arizona, having previously worked with the NFL's New York Jets.

The New England Patriots, often hailed as the NFL's dominant dynasty in the early 2000s and 2010s, reached nine Super Bowls, with quarterback Tom Brady, likened to cricket legend Don Bradman, leading the charge.

Brady, who retired in 2023 and transitioned to television commentary, made a return to Gillette Stadium to commentate for Fox Television, only to witness his team suffer a defeat against the Packers, 27-45.