Patriots, Buccaneers to play in London in 2009

Dec 1, 2008 - 6:18 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The NFL will return to London's Wembley Stadium for a third straight year when the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet on October 25, 2009.

The Patriots have been the league's most successful franchise this decade, winning three Super Bowls (2001, 2003, 2004) and losing to the New York Giants in the championship game last season.

"We are proud to be selected by the NFL to be featured in next year's international game," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. "I am sure our trip to the United Kingdom next year will prove to be an unforgettable experience for our players and coaches, as well as the many fans that will travel to the game.

"I think it is fitting that New England's first game to be played outside of North America will be in England."

The Buccaneers also have a Super Bowl victory this decade, winning in 2002. Tampa Bay will be the host team for this season's Super Bowl.

The Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers, has close ties to England with their ownership of Manchester United, perhaps the most recognizable soccer team on the planet.

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization is extremely excited and honored to be chosen to participate in the NFL International Series," Buccaneers executive vice president Joel Glazer said. "We look forward to being part of the NFL's global outreach and playing our great game in front of Buccaneers fans overseas."

The New Orleans Saints outlasted the San Diego Chargers, 37-32, before a crowd of 83,226 at Wembley this past October 26.

In 2007, the Giants eked out a 13-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins en route to a Super Bowl championship.

"Over the past two years, we have seen firsthand the excitement that exists for our sport in the UK," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. "The games have helped us to deepen our connection with our UK fans as well as create new ones. We are looking forward to another outstanding game in 2009."