As much as the Vikings might try to mechanize preparation for an international game, Bynum offered a mantra that could help them navigate the disruption.

“For me, no routine is the best routine,” he said. “The biggest thing I've learned from traveling from place to place and living in different places is, 'Just go with it.' You'll be tired, but just walk around, go out and do something, but don't go near a bed where you'll pass out. And I've seen the good and the bad about it: I've had times where I said, “Forget it, I'm taking a nap,” slept all day, and took days to get out of jet lag. But I enjoy the chaos.”

For the Vikings, Friday felt as much of an outing as a regular-season practice day. Carter, Reed and Allen were on site for training in London ahead of Saturday's fan events. More than 30 British media members asked Jefferson about the Griddy's enduring popularity, while coach Kevin O'Connell was given the opportunity to comment on the NFL's appeal to European fans.

“I grew up loving the game,” O’Connell said. “Everything about it really defined who I am as a person: being in such a unique, dynamic team sport where you can’t accomplish anything without the other 10 guys on the team doing their jobs.”

“It’s very competitive,” he added. “Our rules are set up so that every single training camp, every fan base should feel like we have a chance to do something special this year. And the best part is that we'll introduce it 17 times and see what happens from there. So we hope we continue to get more and more opportunities around the world. But I know how special this part of the world is and the London games were a phenomenal thing for our league. And we hope to continue to grow not only our fan base, but also the opportunities ahead.”

Two years ago, the Vikings flew home from London just hours after beating the Saints, and had a home game against the Bears the following Sunday. This time they say goodbye a week after the game and postpone their flight home until Monday, giving players, coaches and team officials a night to explore London with their families.