LONDON, United Kingdom—The New York Jets are so determined to experience all the comforts of home during their trip to face the Miami Dolphins in London that they have packed 350 rolls of their own toilet paper.
The NFL franchise’s senior manager of team operations told the New York Times that the Jets were bringing their own thick toilet paper to the English capital rather than relying on the thinner version Britons are used to.
“Some may say that’s a little over the top or whatnot, but it didn’t really cost that much, so why not?” Aaron Degerness told the newspaper.
“We’re basically trying to replicate everything that we’re doing here over there.”
Inevitably, the unusual move prompted questions when the Jets arrived in London on Friday ahead of Sunday’s regular season fixture against their AFC East rivals.
Rather than focusing on the erratic form of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick or their team’s chances of reaching the play-offs, Jets head coach Todd Bowles was asked about his team’s toilet paper and wisely opted not to weigh up the merits of loo roll on either side of the Atlantic.
“I could make a short comment right there but I decline,” Bowles said with a smile.
“I’m not touching that one; I’m not saying a word!”
Jets center Nick Mangold, who watched his sister compete in the weightlifting at the 2012 Olympics in London, was also asked whether he experienced any bathroom problems during previous visits to England.
“It seemed fine, no issue there,” he told reporters as laughter filled the room.
The Jets’ clash with Miami is the first of three NFL fixtures to be staged at Wembley this season as part of the league’s continued efforts to establish a global presence.
On October 25 the Buffalo Bills face the Jacksonville Jaguars and on November 1 the Detroit Lions take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
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