the US & Canada. I've lived in other countries where the NFL is pretty popular and gets lots of exposure (notably Mexico, and to a lesser extent Japan & China), and I don't think very many there would say they think the NFL is better. My experience is that most people from other countries think football is weird and too complicated and kind of boring, with very little action and way too much time standing around waiting for something to happen. I've taken many foreign friends to games, or watched games with them, and this is almost the universal reaction.

In Europe, the soccer "Superleague" concept was quickly shot down when it was announced a few years ago, and that was clearly an attempt to move closer to the NFL model. Fans hated it, and most owners and clubs quickly caved. Other than that failed attempt, I haven't seen much movement in European soccer leagues to emulate the NFL in recent years. Have I missed something?