This season, the Giants, Jets, and Eagles all play abroad, making NJ Advance Media the only local media outlet to cover all three NFL teams every day. The players, coaches, marketers, architects, troubleshooters, and fans who are involved in the NFL’s international expansion in Brazil, England, and Germany will be examined.
Brazil’s São PauloAfter a 10-hour flight, the Eagles arrived and warmed up at Corinthians Arena, their home field for one night on Friday, before the first NFL game in South America.
After the team’s practice on Thursday, quarterback Jalen Hurts remarked, “This is a beautiful place.” Being able to play an international game and share this occasion with Brazilians is a blessing.
Hurts accepted the new environment, and his redesigned offense will lead the NFL’s push into a new market. The Eagles, who finished 11-6 the previous season after going 10-1, seek a new start far away from home when they play the Packers to start the season.
Hurts stated that it’s crucial to come out strong and quickly. We’re up against a formidable opponent. Simply put, we have a significant test ahead of us, an opportunity to concentrate, lock in, and play as a team. Though it begins today, I’m eager to see where this year takes us.
After other Eagles voiced their worries about Sao Paulo’s high crime rate before their arrival, Hurts gained favor. Cornerback Darius Slay grumbled on his podcast earlier this week that he was moved to São Paulo. He mentioned that because he would be shut up at his hotel, he told his family not to come.
“Dude,” he continued, “I don’t want to travel to Brazil.” Would you like to know why? I am here to explain the reason. We were previously instructed not to leave the hotel. They informed us that because of the insanely high crime rate, we couldn’t do too much.
“We’ll keep that in house,” Hurts responded when questioned about Slay’s remarks. Slay later issued an apology for his remarks about X, but the media were not given access to him. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a defensive back, also acknowledged that he was reluctant to play in São Paulo.
Residents reported seeing more police officers in and around the areas of the city where the team is staying.
At a flag football clinic in Ceres Park, Luis Martinez, the new general manager of the NFL’s activities in São Paulo, stated, “We are doing everything, but always, always prioritizing security for everyone.” collaborating with the NFL and gamegoers in addition to working for the NFL.
Other Eagles welcomed the cultural interaction, including reserve quarterback Tanner McKee, who was on a religious mission in Curitiba, and new tailback Saquon Barkley, who has been to Rio de Janeiro before.
McKee, who speaks Portuguese, stated, “I would say 90-95% of the guys have never been to Brazil before.” Give them the opportunity to learn about a different culture from their own.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni described the hotel and the entire experience as first-rate and world-class. He said he was relishing the chance to coach in an overseas game for the first time in his career, even though the team’s lengthy flight was different from the usual travel during the NFL season.
Sirianni stated that we must be prepared for it to be noisy. We are therefore ready to play as though it were a real home game. Additionally, we are ready as though we were playing an actual away game. That’s a step in our procedure.
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Linebacker Devin White is one guy who isn’t traveling since he injured his ankle this week. Sirianni acknowledged the anticipated use of Nakobe Dean but declined to name White’s replacement, citing competitive benefits.
Before Slay’s remarks, a lot of work had been done to land smoothly. The home team, the Eagles, will match the color scheme of the home soccer team by donning white jerseys and black uniform pants. From drum lines and soccer stars to the halftime show performance of homegrown funk artist Anitta, the NFL has gone to great pains to incorporate Brazilian flair.
Hurts remarked, “I’m a kid from East Houston playing American football in South America.” It’s really surreal. I am really grateful for the occasion and the opportunity.
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You can contact Kevin Armstrong at [email protected].