The last time the NFL played a game in Munich, Tom Brady – in the final year of his career, a shell of the man who won seven Super Bowls, but his international aura still intact – was the center of attention, 800,000 fans lined up to get one of 69,811 seats and, seemingly, everyone in attendance sang the lyrics to “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

On an evening on November 13, 2022 that also served as an introduction to the regular league season in Germany, the NFL apparently passed its test. The buzz was palpable in the streets and certainly in the stadium. The star power was on display as Brady threw for two touchdowns for just the second time this season and held off the Seahawks’ returning Geno Smith – who would earn an invitation to the first Pro Bowl of his career later that year.

After two games in Frankfurt last season, the NFL returns to Munich and on this same stage on Sunday. Daniel Jones, Bryce Young, the 2-7 Giants and the 2-7 Panthers I will wait for them.

If anything, the disparity in the quality of games — and the degree of star power — will provide something of a litmus test as the NFL continues to expand its international presence beyond its London comfort zone.