The Scots came to Boston for the World Cup. The Scots made their way out of New England a week later. Their impact on the locals won’t be forgotten any time soon.
And Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants to ensure the newfound relationship lives on in the future.
The Patriots’ owner has “made it known” to the NFL that New England would like to play an international game in Scotland, according to The Boston Globe’s Nicole Yang.
The Patriots have been regular participants in international games, having played in England (three times, in 2009, 2012, and 2024), Mexico City (2017) and Germany (2023), with another game scheduled in Munich this upcoming season.
Scotland has not hosted any of the NFL’s international games but was the home of the NFL Europe’s Scottish Claymores in the ’90s and 2000s. And with the NFL seemingly making an ever-expanding effort to add international games and locations each year, Kraft has at least thrown Scotland into the mix.
The mutual appreciation between Scots and Bostonians blossomed thanks to Scotland being scheduled for two matches in group play in Foxboro at “Boston Stadium,” aka the home of the Patriots. With kilts, bagpipes, and an appreciation of a fermented beverage or two, the Scottish visitors took over the city and were met with open arms. Their trip also happened to coincide with a Red Sox homestand, and the visiting Scots injected some serious life into an otherwise dreary baseball season in Boston.
While the Scottish invasion in Boston was brief, some fond feelings were established from residents on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The Patriots have generally been well-received when they have played abroad, but a future visit to Edinburgh will almost assuredly give them their friendliest welcome on foreign soil.