NFL storms Madrid: Magic Johnson, Dan Marino, Antoine Griezmann dominate pregame buzz

Despite a relentless downpour in Spain’s capital, nothing could stop NFL fans from hitting the streets to celebrate the league’s arrival. Central Madrid looked gray under the rain Saturday, but the streets were vibrant with hundreds of American football jerseys. Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders gear dominated, reflecting the matchup set for Sunday at the Bernabéu. Still, fans wore jerseys from every team, proving that the NFL takeover is a celebration for everyone, including top sports stars who helped make the rainy day feel less gloomy.

Magic Johnson makes a big splash

Legendary NBA star Magic Johnson, a minority owner of the Commanders, was spotted around the city. Standing 6-foot-9, Johnson is impossible to miss. He joined the group that purchased the Washington franchise in 2023 for around $6 billion and is estimated to hold roughly 4% of the team. Johnson attended Friday’s reception hosted by the Madrid regional government and city hall for the NFL family, where he posed for photos with city Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was also in attendance, and on Saturday he visited Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez at the Bernabéu, underscoring the league’s commitment to its Spanish debut.

Fan Zone frenzy with Dan Marino

Saturday also marked the final day of one of the week’s biggest fan hubs: the Miami Dolphins Fan Zone at Plaza España. The rain didn’t matter as a massive line formed before doors opened at noon. The excitement was justified. Soon after, Dolphins legend Dan Marino, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and arguably the best never to win a Super Bowl, took the stage. Now 64, Marino remains connected to the franchise as an executive advisor.

“We’re thrilled to be here and to play here. I hope it’s a great game for us. I’m loving the experience, the food, the people, a very grateful city, it’s been fantastic,” Marino said. His No. 13 jersey hangs retired in Miami.

“Madrid is incredible. The NFL has grown so much, it’s amazing to see so many people come out to support the Dolphins. These aren’t just exhibition games anymore, which is the best part. We’re excited for the matchup and hope the Dolphins return after this game, it means a lot to the fans,” he added before exiting through a back door of the Fan Zone.

Griezmann brings soccer star power

As if that wasn’t enough, a few minutes later, Atlético madrid soccer star Antoine Griezmann, a huge NFL fan, appeared on the Plaza España stage. He recorded a live episode of his NFL podcast, “Grizi Huddle,” and even welcomed Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Saturday’s rain in Madrid may have poured down relentlessly, but for fans, it was truly a storm of sports stars.

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