6 Truths: Wembley hosts a wild NFL party; Thierry Henry won't be turning up again

Fans used to attending England football matches at Wembley are fairly used to Mexican waves and the traditional full-time chorus of boos, but the atmosphere is unrecognisable when it comes to hosting NFL games. From the buzzing 'Tailgate Zones' to the fireworks and razzmatazz of the 'Pre-Game Show', NFL games provide fans with the opportunity to party inside and outside the famous stadium. When the game is as good as the one the fans at Wembley were treated to, it's a real bonus.

Twickenham embraced its NFL debut in impressive fashion last Sunday and will relish its next opportunity to host the sport, but Wembley remains the undisputed home of the International Series. Fans know they can turn up as early as 9:30 in the morning to grab some US-style food and take on some NFL challenges, all while kids charge around taking on specially-tailored games. Wembley certainly hosts a fantastic party when the NFL is in town. The fact that the game ended up being an absolute thriller and going to the first overtime in International Series history made it all the more spectacular.

While there appears to be a concerted push to have the Jacksonville Jaguars playing at Wembley as often as possible – which, of course, they did again earlier this season – there is no doubt that fans desire as much variety as possible when it comes to the match-ups in the International Series games. The incredible reception the Cincinnati Bengals received as they entered the field as the home team was truly electrifying...

Even a cursory glance around the stadium and outside in the 'Tailgate Zones' demonstrates very clearly that one of the unique things about the atmosphere at UK NFL games is that every team is represented. The array of colourful jerseys is astonishing and it all adds to the feeling of very welcome inclusion with fans of all teams able to enjoy different match-ups. A quick chat to fans confirms the thought that the more NFL teams that visit the UK the better for fans with a huge appetite for seeing their heroes in action.

Very often, the temptation for fans is to roll up as late as possible to catch kick-off at big sporting events, with the thought being that the pre-match activities and watching the players warm-up are not much of an attraction. What is very evident at NFL games, however, is that because fans appear hours before kick-off to enjoy the party atmosphere of the goings on outside the stadium, the stands tend to be absolutely packed for the 'Pre-Game Show'.

Of course, it certainly helps that the NFL invests heavily in making the shows as attractive and interesting as possible, with appearances from top pop stars – well, and Craig David! - and fireworks... and that's only the prelude to the grand entrance of the players, team-by-team, and finally the star-studded renditions of the national anthems. The show is very much key to the whole event, and fans really do appear to be sold on the whole idea.

It's very easy for sports clubs and governing bodies to encourage kids of all ages to attend big sporting events, but so often they do not feel remotely appropriate or suitable for families. One thing that can definitely be said of NFL games in the UK is that they are absolutely ideal for families and kids can feel safe and welcome.

From the activities designed for children outside the stadium before kick-off, to the fun, relaxed atmosphere inside it, parents are able to feel confident taking the family to the whole event. With early afternoon kick-off times perfect for getting home at a decent time, it really does feel as though NFL games can be a family day out. Indeed, from always looking forward to taking my young son to his first football match, I can say with confidence that I will be taking him to an NFL game a year or so before that and thereafter.

It is so, so difficult for the media to gain authentic and unfiltered access to sports stars, and that has a direct effect on the quality of content fans then receive regarding their teams and individual heroes. When stars from all sports charge through mixed zones, where the media attempt to gain valuable post-event access, and are shielded from their teams or governing bodies to the extent that they are essentially confined to the shadows, it is the fans who inevitably suffer the consequences.

Fortunately for fans following the NFL, the media has unrivalled access to the players – not only via traditional press conferences after a game, but remarkably, at specially-created rallies in the week leading up to kick-off, and even in the locker-rooms shortly after the final whistle. The idea that fans can hear from players with towels around their waists, emotions still running high and with immediate thoughts and feelings about the game, is alien to most other sports, but it's a very impressive aspect of covering the NFL.

At Twickenham, the appearances of England rugby legends including Martin Johnson were met with a standing ovation. For the former World Cup-winning captain, the whole of Twickenham took to its feet with a lap of honour accompanied by 'Land of Hope and Glory' in amusingly-hyped fashion. Indeed, even the comical cameos from Bayern Munich stars Franck Ribery, Jerome Boateng and David Alaba were rewarded with a rapturous reception. Even at Wembley, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was given friendly applause.

But when poor Thierry was introduced to the Wembley crowd, he was greeted by thunderous boos and jeers. To his credit, the Arsenal and France legend smiled, shrugged and waved to his dismissive crowd and took the whole thing in good spirits, but his interviewer could not even get a single question and answer away as the incessant boos drowned out the Sky Sports pundit's consequently-fleeting appearance. NFL fans bring a superb, fun and warm atmosphere to every International Series game, but Thierry may not be returning to the touchline for another Wembley clash any time soon.