It is no surprise to see global sports stars spotted at high-profile sporting events from different codes.
Just recently England soccer manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance at the Superbowl and he was not the only one.
However, as the 2019 Indian Premier League cricket tournament gets underway in a matter of weeks, one may be surprised to learn that there are two particular stars set to light up India in the T20 format who have links to the NFL.
But who are they? And who will they be representing in this year’s IPL?
Sam Billings
Englishman Sam Billings faced the wrath of the Kent fans after finding out he had been retained by the Chennai Super Kings for 2019 despite hardly setting the IPL alight in 2018.
However, the Super Kings did go on to win the title and the general feeling is thing will only get better for Billings and of there was betting on an IPL match today, it would be wise to punt on the Super Kings as Billings has the talent and ability to make the difference in a tight game.
Away from the cricket field, it turns out the 27-year-old is also a big NFL fan with the Rams his chosen team.
Ahead of the Rams game against the New York Giants at Twickenham a few years ago, Billings and fellow English cricketer Liam Pluckett headed down to watch the Rams train and caught up with Brian Quick to play a little cricket and throw and catch.
It is safe to say it had quite the impression on the Englishmen who no doubt continues to keep a close eye on the Rams progress.
David Willey
The link between the UK is strong with a host of franchises having played on British shores over the last few years.
It also seems that it is only English cricketers who have really embraced the NFL as David Willey is another Englishman set to star in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings (like Billings) who has an NFL connection.
The 29-year-old took part in a Cricket v NFL contest which saw cricket stars and NFL stars try to answer questions on phrases in each other’s code of sport.
Kyle Emanuel, Mack Hollins, Jurrell Casey, and Josh Lambo all represented the NFL team whilst Willey was asked to explain what a Wildcat is and duly thought it was a basketball team.
Although Willey may be slightly less tuned up in his NFL lingo, he did show willing and soon brushed up on his NFL knowledge.
