The NFL is making history with its first-ever game in South America, but it seems not everyone is thrilled about it-especially Philadelphia Eagles’ cornerback, Darius Slay. The Eagles are set to take on the Green Bay Packers in their season opener, but the venue, So Paulo, Brazil, is raising more than a few eyebrows.
Hosting an NFL game in Brazil is turning out to be a logistical nightmare. The biggest headache? So Paulo’s notorious crime rate and recent wildfires, which have already claimed lives and continue to affect the city’s air quality. For the NFL, trying to keep the game on track while ensuring the safety of the players is proving to be a tough balancing act.
One of the more unusual problems? The teams might have to ditch their green jerseys because Palmeiras, a local soccer team with a passionate fan base, shares the same color. The NFL doesn’t want to step on any toes, especially in a city where soccer is almost a religion. But Packers fans can breathe a sigh of relief-it looks like the green jerseys will still make it onto the field.
But it’s not just the logistics that have the players on edge. Darius Slay didn’t hold back when asked about his thoughts on playing in Brazil. While he’s pumped for Week 1, the location has him seriously questioning the NFL’s decision-making. “Week 1, I can’t wait. But man, I do not wanna go to Brazil,” Slay revealed, citing the strict security measures that will keep players confined to their hotels. For him, the trip feels more like a lockdown than a kickoff.
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Slay’s concerns are so serious that he’s told his family to stay far away from Brazil. He doesn’t see the point in having them travel just to be stuck in a hotel, especially with the high crime rate the NFL has warned about. It’s a move that underscores just how uneasy some players are about this international venture.
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The NFL’s push to globalize the sport has been well-received in places like England and Germany, but Brazil is proving to be a different beast. Despite the excitement among Brazilian fans, the pre-game chaos might just deter the league from scheduling future games in the country.
As for the game itself, it’s a high-stakes matchup, but the real drama seems to be happening off the field. Let’s just hope both teams make it back home without any major incidents-and maybe rethink their color choices for the next international showdown.
