The NFL game in Brazil is already confirmed, but the teams could be walking into a dangerous trap in Rio de Janeiro. Roger Goodell and the league have given the green light for the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens to face off at the historic Maracanã Stadium, despite growing concern over the serious deterioration of the playing surface.
While a spokesperson for the NFL insists they have a plan to guarantee a high-quality surface, the local professional footballers who play on that grass every week are issuing a serious warning.
Roger Goodell wants to take the NFL worldwide
The NFL will host eight more international matchups this season. One of these games is scheduled to be played at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens.
The current condition of the playing field and the reports coming in a week before the event do not paint a promising picture for either team. The stars of both teams would be put at risk on a field that does not have all the necessary conditions guaranteed to protect them and prevent injuries.
What the players are saying
The criticism came from Flamengo’s dressing room, which has used the stadium frequently in recent weeks: it hosted Corinthians on September 13, drew 1-1 with Independiente del Valle in the Copa Libertadores, and on Sunday faced Bragantino
“There’s no need to talk about the pitch; everyone can see it,” said Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi. “The way we play, it’s unbelievable to have a pitch like this. Both penalty areas are terrible. If you look, there are bumps everywhere.” Rossi added that there was still an NFL game to be played during the international break and that he hoped the pitch would improve afterwards.
Midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta spoke along the same lines: “The field keeps getting worse. It’s becoming harder and harder to control the ball”.
After Sunday’s victory, forward Pedro, who scored one of the goals, admitted that the field is not in good condition, that the problem affects both teams, and that some plays are lost because of the grass, although he clarified that he is not using it as an excuse
Dallas says it is calm
Amid the warnings, Brian Schottenheimer tried to downplay the concern. The Cowboys coach stated that he is not worried about the condition of the field.
Dallas, moreover, did not arrive in Brazil without information. The organization had sent staff to the Maracanã months earlier to evaluate the surface and analyze the stadium conditions.
That does not mean the NFL is going to leave the field as it is. The league is working to prepare the surface and will have little time between Flamengo’s activity and the arrival of the NFL game.
There is a precedent that draws attention
The situation recalls what happened in 2024, when the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers played a game in São Paulo. Some players had problems with traction, and Saquon Barkley even used longer cleats to get better grip.
This time, the NFL is looking to avoid a similar situation and is standing firm on its plan for Rio de Janeiro. The game will also be the league’s first regular-season game in that city
The decision has already been made
For now, the game remains scheduled, the Cowboys and Ravens will play on September 27 at 4:25 p.m. ET at the Maracanã. The NFL did not announce any venue change and is sticking to its plans for the historic matchup.
The warning from the Brazilian footballers, however, left an open question that will only be answered when the game begins: What will the Maracanã pitch really be like when the Cowboys and Ravens take the field?
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