ESPN sought the perfect specimen of Philadelphia sports to introduce coverage of the 2026 PGA Championship, golf’s second major, at Aronimink Golf Club.

The network had options. Philly boasts living legends such as Julius Erving, Mike Schmidt, Allen Iverson, Bobby Clarke and Bernard Hopkins. Or there are recent fan favorites like Brian Dawkins, Jason Kelce and Bryce Harper.

MORE: 2026 PGA Championship tee times & pairings for Round 1 at Aronimink

That’s not to mention golfer Jim Furyk, a major champion and the newly named U.S. Ryder Cup captain, who is from nearby West Chester.

So whom did ESPN choose? Why Dom DiSandro, known as “Big Dom,” of course. He is the Philadelphia Eagles’ well-known senior adviser to the general manager/chief security officer/gameday coaching operations.

When PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ opened coverage early on Thursday, May 14, it was DiSandro’s voice that welcomed viewers.

“How much does Philly figure in the history of America and golf? I am at liberty to say, and that says everything,” DiSandro said, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Big Dom” continued, “My town has seen it all, huge moments made possible by men determined to set a new course or tame an old one. Philly demands respect for all it stands for and everything it’s seen. It’s at stately buildings and on tricky fairways and greens, here, where independence was declared, we, the people, are united by love of country, city and, this week, the PGA Championship.”

‘Big Dom’ claim to fame

DiSandro has been a fixture on the Eagles’ sideline since he joined the organization in 1999. He accompanies Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni off the field after games.

But he vaulted into national consciousness on Dec. 3, 2023, during a game at Lincoln Financial Field against the San Francisco 49ers.

After San Francisco linebacker Dre Greenlaw body-slammed Eagles receiver Devonta Smith to the turf along the sideline, DiSandro confronted Greenlaw. The 49ers player reached out and made contact with DiSandro’s face, and both were ejected.

DiSandro is not your everyday security officer. He advises Eagles GM Howie Roseman on draft prospects and wears a headset on the sideline, formally considered a member of the coaching staff.

Per The Athletic, DiSandro received a contract extension earlier this month.

The NFL’s global push is reaching another level in 2026, and this season’s international slate feels bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than anything the league has attempted before. With games scheduled across Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico, the NFL is no longer simply testing overseas markets — it is fully embracing the idea of becoming a worldwide sports powerhouse. Fans across four continents will get the opportunity to experience meaningful regular-season matchups featuring some of the league’s biggest franchises, brightest stars, and most passionate fan bases. From historic first-time host cities like Melbourne and Paris to established NFL hotspots like London and Mexico City, the 2026 international schedule showcases just how far the game has expanded beyond the United States.

What makes this year’s lineup especially compelling is the quality of the matchups themselves. Rivalries, playoff-caliber teams, superstar quarterbacks, and major-market franchises are all part of the package. The San Francisco 49ers will make history twice overseas, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to strengthen their London identity, and teams like the Cowboys, Ravens, Bengals, Eagles, and Steelers bring massive international appeal. The NFL clearly understands that these games are no longer novelty events — they are marquee showcases designed to grow the league’s audience and strengthen fan engagement around the globe.

RELATED: Ranking the top 10 most complete NFL rosters for 2026 season

With packed stadiums, unique atmospheres, and global attention expected at every stop, the 2026 NFL International Games could become one of the defining storylines of the upcoming season.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground — Melbourne, Australia
• Week: Week 1 (Sept. 11 AUS / Sept. 10 US)

The NFL could not have picked a better matchup to debut in Australia than a heated NFC West rivalry between the 49ers and Rams. Both franchises are loaded with star power, playoff expectations, and passionate fan bases, which should create an electric atmosphere inside the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground. San Francisco’s physical style and elite roster depth make them perennial contenders, while the Rams continue to build around an explosive offensive system capable of producing fireworks on any stage. This game feels less like a novelty event and more like a legitimate postseason-level showdown to open the international slate.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

• Venue: Maracanã Stadium — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Week: Week 3 (September 27)

Dubbed as one of the most popular teams in the world, the Cowboys, and pairing them against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in Brazil gives the NFL one of its most marketable international matchups ever. Baltimore enters the season with one of the league’s most dangerous offenses and a defense built around speed and aggression, while Dallas remains loaded with star talent and national spotlight appeal. Maracanã Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in sports history, and the atmosphere should feel massive from kickoff to final whistle. If both teams start the season strong, this could easily become one of the most-watched games of the early NFL calendar.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders

• Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London, England
• Week: Week 4 (October 4)

London fans are set to witness an intriguing battle between two franchises trying to establish themselves as long-term contenders. The Commanders continue building around a young, exciting core, while the Colts hope their offensive growth can help them re-emerge in the AFC playoff picture. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become one of the NFL’s best international venues, consistently delivering strong crowds and energetic atmospheres. This game could feature plenty of offensive creativity and serve as an early measuring stick for both teams’ postseason aspirations.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London, England
• Week: Week 5 (October 11)

The Eagles bring one of the NFL’s most physical and talented rosters into a matchup against a Jaguars team that continues to strengthen its international identity. Jacksonville has practically become London’s adopted NFL franchise thanks to its consistent overseas appearances, but Philadelphia’s fan base who are willing to spend and travel could make this feel like a playoff atmosphere. The Eagles’ dominance in the trenches and explosive offensive weapons make them one of the league’s most dangerous teams entering 2026. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will view this as an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the NFC’s elite contenders on a global stage.

RELATED: NFL sophomores to watch in the 2026 season

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Venue: Wembley Stadium — London, England
• Week: Week 6 (October 18)

Jacksonville’s second straight game in London proves they are fit for the international audience entertainment, and it also gives the team a chance to fully embrace their international presence. The Texans, meanwhile, remain one of the NFL’s fastest-rising teams and could arrive in London with major playoff expectations behind their explosive young core. Division matchups are always emotional, physical, and unpredictable, which should make this contest especially entertaining for fans overseas. Wembley Stadium’s history and atmosphere add another layer of significance to a game that could carry major AFC South implications later in the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints

• Venue: Stade de France — Paris, France
• Week: Week 7 (October 25)

Paris will host its first-ever NFL regular-season game and it is considered as one of the biggest milestones in league history. The game shall feature two interesting teams this off-season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. Pittsburgh remains one of football’s most recognizable global brands thanks to its massive fan following and historic tradition. The Saints bring speed, athleticism, and offensive creativity into a matchup that feels tailor-made for a first-time international showcase in France. Stade de France should provide a spectacular setting for a game that symbolizes the NFL’s growing European footprint.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

• Venue: Bernabéu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
• Week: Week 9 (November 8)

Joe Burrow and the Bengals heading to Madrid gives Spain one of the NFL’s most exciting young stars for its showcase game. Cincinnati is an ideal team featured for an international audience looking for entertainment due to their high-powered passing attack and aggressive offensive mentality. The Falcons continue building a roster filled with speed and offensive playmakers, which could turn this matchup into one of the highest-scoring games on the international schedule. Playing inside the iconic Bernabéu Stadium adds even more prestige to a matchup that already carries serious star power.

RELATED: Top 10 NFL team offenses entering OTAs

New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions

• Venue: FC Bayern Munich Stadium — Munich, Germany
• Week: Week 10 (November 15)

Germany has quickly become one of the NFL’s strongest international markets, and this matchup is a fitting feature due to their intriguing team personality and direction. Detroit enters 2026 with championship expectations after several strong seasons, while New England continues trying to return to relevance in the post-dynasty era. The Lions’ physical offense and aggressive mentality should resonate with the passionate Munich crowd, while the Patriots still carry worldwide recognition because of their historic success. This game has the potential to become one of the most intense atmospheres of the entire international series.

Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

• Venue: Estadio Banorte — Mexico City, Mexico
• Week: Week 11 (November 22)

Mexico City will be the concluding venue of the international slate with a matchup that could have major NFC playoff implications by midseason. The 49ers playing their second international game of the year highlights how strongly the league views San Francisco as a global brand. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s explosiveness and aggressive style make them an entertaining opponent capable of producing a dramatic finish. Estadio Banorte has historically delivered some of the loudest and most energetic NFL crowds outside the United States, and this matchup feels like a fitting finale to the league’s most ambitious international schedule ever.