NFL Unveils 2024 International Game Lineup, Detroit Lions Remain Stateside
The NFL has formally announced the lineup of regular season matchups set to unfold on international turf in 2024, with the Detroit Lions conspicuously absent from the overseas action. This exclusion marks yet another year in which the Lions will not venture beyond American borders for a regular season game, continuing a trend that has been in place since their last international appearance in 2015.
Back when the Detroit team last played abroad, under the guidance of then-coach Jim Caldwell, they faced a defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs – a game that precipitated the firing of their offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. Given the preliminary list of their 2024 opponents, it was largely anticipated that the Lions would miss out on the international roster this season. Nonetheless, the announcement confirms that fans hoping to see the team play in a global venue will have to wait at least another year.
Despite the Lions’ omission, the 2024 international schedule does promise some exciting contests, with a handful of NFC North rivals among the teams slated to compete on foreign soil. These matchups are part of the NFL’s ongoing efforts to expand its international footprint, drawing in fans from across the globe.
The NFL took to social media to share the eagerly awaited 2024 International Schedule, inviting fans to tune into the official schedule release airing tonight at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network and ESPN2. Additionally, enthusiasts worldwide can stream the announcement via NFL Plus, ensuring that international audiences won’t miss out on the excitement.
Speculation is already brewing about the possibilities of 2025, with hopes that the Detroit Lions could make their long-awaited return to the international stage. As of now, only the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys have had longer intervals without participating in the league’s global showcase.
As the NFL continues to announce its 2024 slate of games, including these eagerly anticipated international matchups, fans and teams alike look forward to another year of boundary-crossing football that brings the action to a global audience.