The two teams have spent a week together. Team USA's high schoolers flocked to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., from across the country from New Jersey to Washington, and the World Select players assembled from eight countries spanning four continents.
Getting a team united and prepared proves difficult under normal circumstances. For players who have never played together, the task can be near impossible given a week's time. Two-a-day practices and living together are helping Team USA and the World players accelerate the process.
"It's been great," Team USA wide receiver Quinton Dunbar said of the week of practice. "We've just been competitive. We started off a little slow. We are starting to pick up."
There is also another group of all-stars going through the same thing in South Florida this week. The AFC and NFC Pro-Bowlers are practicing in the area for the NFL Pro-Bowl on Sunday Jan. 31. They will practice Saturday morning at Lockhart Stadium, preceding USA Football's "Team USA vs. The World" Game, presented by Riddell.
On Friday morning, Team USA and Team World received a break from their game preparations and watched the NFL All-Stars practice. This was a memorable moment for the teenagers.
"It was really cool to see a whole different level of athletes and watch them out there on the field performing," Team USA offensive lineman Nick Rowland said.
Some of the professionals, including San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, took time to mingle with and speak to the younger all-stars.
If the U.S. student-athletes were thrilled, the international players' excitement couldn't be contained.
"It was exciting," German defensive lineman Björn Werner said laughing. "It's really amazing to see these All-Pros. When they came over to shake our hands - that was sick!Everyone was going crazy."
Werner's favorite NFL player, defensive end Dwight Freeney, will miss playing in the Pro Bowl as his Indianapolis Colts prepare for next weekend's Super Bowl XLIV. For Friday at least, Werner's favorites on the field were Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen.
"This meant a lot to me," Canadian quarterback Brandon Bridge said of the experience. "This was the first time I've seen NFL players close-up and personal - this is a big, big day for me. It was an honor to meet these guys.I also got to meet Cris Carter and Michael Irvin - these people are legends. It was very nice."
The level at which the international players idolize the current NFL stars and respect the legends of the past found itself on display in Florida as a testament to the global appeal and reach of America's favorite sport.
Some of the NFL players even saw the future of football in those watching them and had words of encouragement to pass along.
"[Baltimore Ravens running back] Ray Rice said to never quit, live your dream because you don't know when your number's going to be called on," Dunbar said.
Come Saturday, both Team USA and Team World better be ready after a week together because their number has been called. It is their turn to serve as ambassadors for the game on both a national and international scale.
"The anticipation is definitely building," Rowland said. "Practices are going great. We're just getting better and better every one. There are a lot of guys getting pumped up, getting ready to represent our country and play the sport we all love."
