Richard Branson attends first NFL game, treated to Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Richard Branson wound up at quite the place to witness his first NFL game.

The British business magnate and founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways is at Gillette Stadium for the Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning showdown on Sunday.

The billionaire, a guest of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, admittedly has a lot to learn about pro football.

"I love sports," Branson told USA TODAY Sports during a pregame soiree in Kraft's office. "But for some reason, I've never gotten to see American Rugby. This is quite the matchup, I hear. I'm completely and absolutely spoiled."

Branson is a huge fan of rugby and senses that his familiarity with that sport will help him understand the NFL's game that he insists on calling "American Rugby."

"What I don't understand is why you've distorted a great English game?" he said. "Maybe at the end of the day, I'll understand."

He has a great tour guide in Kraft, who also took Branson to the field for an intimate view of the pre-game preparations.