The San Francisco 49ers kicked off the promotion for the 2010 NFL International Series game with owner Dr. John York and Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis meeting the media in London.
The visits of York and the team's offensive star precede coach Mike Singletary's arrival later in the week to do his bit to promote the 49ers game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 31 at Wembley Stadium.
"I'm very excited to be in London and I'm really looking forward to playing against the Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium in October," said Davis, who spent Wednesday morning talking with reporters from the BBC, Sky Sports, the Evening Standard, Daily Mail, Metro and Guardian.
Davis, who led all NFL tight ends with 13 touchdowns last season, is famed for his grueling work out regime, and got the opportunity to show off his physique in an afternoon photo shoot and interview with the UK arm of GQ.
The schedule for York included interviews with several news outlets as he explained his excitement about bringing his team to London.
"We're excited to be playing here, we're looking forward to it and it is a Super Bowl re-match against the Denver Broncos," York said. "This is a game outside the United States in a vibrant city like London in the largest stadium for an NFL contest outside of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and it is a game that, in midseason, has the atmosphere and feel of a mini Super Bowl. It is a great feeling to be involved in a game like that."
While York is a regular visitor to London, it was only Davis' second visit to the UK capital, following his first trip three years ago when he was a guest of Venus and Serena Williams during Wimbledon.
However, Davis has been talking to players who gone through the process before.
"I have spoken to guys who were over here in the past -- Ted Ginn Jr. in particular -- and I know the British fans bring a lot of passion and excitement to the game," Davis said. "This is a big deal to us as players and I think it's great that the NFL is trying to take the sport of football global."
As head of the NFL's International Committee, York shares Davis' views on the potential for the growth of the sport in the UK, and is pleased that his team gets a chance to present the league to a global audience.
"It's very pleasing that the British people are embracing the NFL, and having been present at a game here in London last year I know that our team will benefit from having the passionate British fans behind them," York said.
