Terrion Arnold Says He Can’t Stay Calm as He Awaits the 2025 NFL International Games Schedule Release With Immense Excitement

Terrion Arnold isn’t the type to sit still, not on the field, and certainly not off of it when something big is about to happen. That high energy is exactly what helped him become one of the premier defensive backs in the country during his time at Alabama, and it’s what’s carried over into his NFL career. Now, as the 2025 NFL International Games schedule release looms on the horizon, Arnold’s anticipation is palpable.

The former Crimson Tide star, now entering his rookie season in the NFL, has had his eyes locked on the league’s international slate for weeks. While fans eagerly await details to make travel plans and mark their calendars, Arnold’s interest goes deeper. It’s personal, emotional, and filled with dreams of representing his team on a global stage. For someone who’s spent his entire life competing at the highest levels, the opportunity to play in front of a worldwide audience carries tremendous weight.

“I can’t stay calm. I’ve been checking every update, every leak, every possible rumor,” Arnold said with a laugh in a recent interview. “I want to know if we’re going. I want to know if I’ll be able to play on that kind of stage. It’s different. It’s special.”

Arnold’s excitement is far from performative. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, his transition to professional football has been marked by an infectious enthusiasm that teammates, coaches, and fans have all taken note of. Whether it’s arriving early to team meetings or staying late after practices, Arnold’s dedication has impressed. But when it comes to the NFL’s global reach, something in him seems to come even more alive.

“I remember watching those London games when I was in high school,” Arnold reflected. “Seeing those packed stadiums, different fans, different culture, but the same love for the game—it gave me chills. I told myself, one day, I want to be part of that.”

And now, he just might get that chance. The NFL’s international efforts have grown exponentially in recent years, expanding from London to Mexico City, Germany, and even eyeing future locations like Brazil and Spain. With the league’s global ambitions continuing to rise, rookies like Arnold find themselves on the brink of becoming ambassadors for American football, showcasing their talent far from the confines of home stadiums.

Arnold’s desire to compete internationally is rooted in more than just the idea of travel or a break from routine. For him, it’s about reaching people who’ve never had the chance to see an NFL game live. He sees it as a chance to inspire young fans, especially those in regions where football isn’t the dominant sport.

“There’s a little kid out there in Europe or Mexico or somewhere who’s never seen an NFL game in person,” Arnold said. “Maybe they’ve only caught a few highlights on YouTube or social media. But if I can be one of the first players they ever see live, if I can make a play that makes them fall in love with the sport—that means something.”

His perspective is mature, shaped by his own experiences growing up in Tallahassee, Florida. Arnold wasn’t handed anything; he worked his way up from a promising high school athlete to an All-SEC standout at Alabama. Now, as he begins his journey in the NFL, he carries that same chip on his shoulder and a determination to make every opportunity count.

“Nothing’s guaranteed in this league,” Arnold said. “So if there’s a chance to play overseas, to do something that not every rookie gets to do, I’m all in. I want it.”

Arnold’s enthusiasm is shared by many across the league. The NFL International Games have become marquee events, drawing sellout crowds, generating massive media attention, and giving players a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons—both professionally and personally. For younger players especially, the chance to travel internationally under the NFL banner is a badge of honor.

But for Arnold, it’s also about legacy. While he’s just beginning his NFL journey, he’s already thinking about how he’ll be remembered—not just by fans in the U.S., but by the global audience that the league is actively cultivating.

“I want to be part of this generation that helps take football to the next level,” Arnold said. “You see how the NBA blew up internationally? That didn’t just happen. Players bought into it. They embraced the world stage. I want to do that with football.”

It’s an ambitious mindset, and one that perfectly aligns with the NFL’s current trajectory. As the league continues to expand its footprint, it will need charismatic, driven, and globally-minded players to lead the way. Arnold checks all of those boxes.

The young cornerback has already begun preparing for the possibility. From watching past international games to studying how different time zones and climates can affect performance, he’s leaving nothing to chance. He’s even been trying to pick up a few phrases in German and Spanish, just in case he ends up playing in Frankfurt or Mexico City.

“Just something simple like ‘hello,’ ‘good game,’ or ‘thank you,’” Arnold said. “That goes a long way. It shows fans that we appreciate them and respect their culture.”

When asked if he had a preference on where he’d want to play, Arnold paused for a moment, then smiled.

“Honestly? Anywhere,” he said. “London, Berlin, Mexico City—I don’t care. I just want that experience. I want to walk into a stadium across the ocean and feel that energy. That’s the kind of moment you never forget.”

As the NFL inches closer to revealing the 2025 international schedule, Arnold’s anticipation is only growing. His phone alerts are set, his calendar is cleared, and he’s ready to jump into action the moment the matchups are announced. Whether his team is selected or not, one thing is certain: Terrion Arnold will be watching, waiting, and dreaming of what could be.

Until then, he continues to prepare. Training camp is just around the corner, and Arnold knows he has to earn his spot on the field first. The NFL is a business, and nothing is given without effort. But that’s what makes the potential of playing in an international game even sweeter—because if it happens, it means he’s done the work.

“You’ve got to earn it,” Arnold said. “That’s what Coach Saban always taught us at Bama. Nothing is handed to you. So whether I’m playing in Dallas or Düsseldorf, I’m going to show up ready to compete.”

That mentality has already made Arnold a favorite among coaches and teammates. And if the NFL does decide to send his team abroad this season, there’s little doubt that he’ll rise to the occasion.

The stage is set. The world is watching. And Terrion Arnold can’t wait to show them what he’s made of.

For now, though, he waits—restless, hopeful, and filled with that same uncontainable energy that’s defined every step of his football journey.

“I’ll probably scream when they announce it,” Arnold said, laughing again. “If we’re in, man—it’s game on.”