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LA Rams star Steve Avila has sights sets on making Australia a home for the NFL
He's been out to the 'G to see the AFL and loves what the NRL is doing in Las Vegas. But when it comes to the LA Rams' first foray into Australia, big man Steve Avila says 'we're essentially making history'.
The Rams arrived in Melbourne at the weekend ahead of their inaugural fan combine, beginning a long lead-in to the NFL franchise's groundbreaking exhibition match scheduled for 2026.
For offensive lineman Avila, next year's game is about more than just securing a victory; it's about paving the way for other NFL teams to venture Down Under.
Speaking exclusively to Code Sports upon his arrival in Melbourne, Avila emphasised the significance of their visit.
'We're essentially making history,' the center said.
'To even hear that sentence, we're going to be the first NFL team to do things like this.
'There is quite a big fan base here with the NFL, so hopefully the fans can bring people to tag along with and help grow the sport.'
Touching down in Australia for the first time on Friday, the 25-year-old has spent the weekend immersing himself in Australian culture and scouting some of the nation's top sporting talents for potential NFL futures.
During his visit, Avila took in the sights at the MCG on Saturday, witnessing Carlton face off against North Melbourne in the AFL, marking his second experience with an Australian sport.
Avila previously travelled to Las Vegas to watch the NRL's inaugural season opener, noting that the NFL could learn from the NRL's efforts to globalise a foreign sport.
'I think it's been amazing,' Avila said regarding the NRL's push into America.
'I feel like word of mouth goes a long way, so I feel like they have done a good job. I hope they do more over there because I definitely would go to more AFL and rugby games.'
When asked about the prospects of Australian athletes in the NFL, Avila was full of praise.
'If people took football more seriously here, I'm sure you would see a lot more Australian players in the NFL,' he said.
'I've seen how athletic a lot of the people over here are.'
However, when it comes to Avila transitioning to an Australian sporting code, the path is not straightforward.
'If I can keep my bones healthy and drop 150 pounds, you can for sure count me in,' Avila joked.
With over a year until the Rams' debut game in Melbourne, Avila expressed his desire for the NFL to make regular visits to Australia.
'Once every couple of years will be awesome,' Avila said.
'I feel like I'm getting a head start being down here and seeing how everything is feeling.'
