Britain Covey Has Requested Jersey Change for London Game

The Eagles return specialist hopes to wear Britain on his jersey to honor the United Kingdom.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Football

Britain Covey Has Requested Jersey Change for London Game

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Philadelphia Eagles return specialist Britain Covey intends to petition the NFL to allow him to wear 'Britain' on his jersey during this weekend's game in London. Covey is also using his role as an NFLPA representative to advocate for improved travel schedules for international games.

Why it matters

Covey seeks to honor his namesake country and believes players need more time to experience international host cities rather than arriving on a Friday. His advocacy highlights ongoing player concerns regarding the logistical demands of the league's growing global schedule.

Britain Covey has recorded 135 punt return yards this season, featuring a season-best 41-yard return. The NFL historically prohibits nicknames on jerseys, though exceptions like Doug Cunningham's 1970 use of 'Goober' have occurred.

The players

Britain Covey

He is a return specialist for the Philadelphia Eagles who also serves as an NFLPA player representative.

Philadelphia Eagles

The professional football team competes in the NFC East division of the National Football League.

Jacksonville Jaguars

This professional football team is the opponent for the upcoming international game in London.

Doug Cunningham

He was a former professional football player who wore the nickname 'Goober' on his jersey during a 1970 game.

Chad Johnson

He is a former wide receiver who legally changed his name to Chad Ochocinco in 2008 to display it on his jersey.

The details

Covey plans to ask the Eagles equipment staff and the NFL for permission to display the name on his jersey at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Additionally, the 29-year-old return specialist is pushing for travel adjustments that would allow teams to acclimate and explore regions like the Cotswolds before competing abroad.

Timeline

  1. The Eagles are scheduled to fly to London this Friday.

  2. The team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend.

The Big Picture

This effort follows the 1970 precedent set when Doug Cunningham wore 'Goober' on his jersey. Covey's request tests whether the current league will allow a deviation from its rigid name-on-jersey protocols.

Covey's advocacy for a modified travel schedule aims to address the 36-hour gap between arrival and kickoff currently faced by teams traveling to London. Any change to the travel schedule would directly impact the team's preparation routine for international contests.

The takeaway

Players continue to navigate the logistical trade-offs that come with the expansion of NFL games to global markets. The request highlights how individual branding and player quality-of-life concerns are increasingly intersecting with league international strategy.

Further reading

For more news on the team, visit the Philadelphia Football section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Should professional athletes be allowed more personal expression in their uniforms and travel schedules?