The Chicago Bears, in partnership with the NFL, are proud to introduce for the first time the NFL International Fan of the Year contest for 2023. In collaboration with all 32 NFL teams, the NFL is searching to honor the first-ever International Fan of the Year.
The International Fan of the Year title celebrates extraordinary fans who inspire others with their passion for the game and have been a rallying force across their family, friends and local community through fandom. Expanding beyond the U.S. to seven eligible international markets this season, enthusiastic fans from around the world who use football as a platform for inspiration and change can now be honored for their love of American football and proudly represent their favorite team. The eligible international markets include the UK, Germany, Mexico, Canada, Australia, France and China.
In 2021, the Bears, in conjunction with the NFL, were awarded the United Kingdom and Spain as their designated Global Markets Program (GMP) regions. Through this league initiative, the Bears were authorized to directly engage with fans and offer sponsorship opportunities in both markets.
"The International Fan of the Year recognition has been a fantastic way to better connect and champion our most passionate and committed fans from around the world," said Bears Vice President of Fan and Brand Development Fernando Arriola. "Since we started expanding into the UK and Spain, we've conducted over 25 mini monsters clinics, impacting more than 6,000 youth. We've partnered with the Jets to launch the first-ever girls flag league in the UK. Additionally, our fans have been supporting the Bears at our UK watch parties for two years now. With two years of working internationally, we believe that the Chicago Bears have the best fans overseas, and we're on a search to find them."
The Bears remains dedicated to nurturing international collaborations and strengthening their global brand presence in the United Kingdom and Spain as part of the NFL Global Markets Program (GMP).
The nomination period for the NFL International Fan of the Year contest will run through Dec. 31, 2023. Each NFL club will unveil their nominee between January 26 and February 4, 2024, through a press release and on social media. Following these announcements, the NFL will reveal all 32 International nominees. The chosen International Fan of the Year nominees from each team then will be rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, which includes roundtrip airfare for the nominee and a guest, exclusive access to the Draft Experience and other exclusive experiences.
The ultimate winner will officially be awarded and announced during the 2024 NFL Draft as the "Ultimate NFL International Fan of the Year."
Fans are encouraged to participate in this exciting initiative by submitting nominations, either for themselves or for deserving individuals who embody the spirit of NFL fandom.
Key Nomination Details:
1. To initiate the nomination process, visit NFL.com/FanOfTheYear.
2. Each submission will be evaluated based on the following criteria: passion, enthusiasm and fandom for their favorite
NFL team and the league itself, along with an inspirational story and a sense of community spirit. 3. Application must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2023.
