The Green Bay Packers are set to make a trip to Brazil for their game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Sept. 6, at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo. It’s the sixth year in a row and the 10th time in the last 12 seasons that the Packers are starting the season as the road team. They’re the only NFL team to start the season as the road team for six straight years (2019-24). But there’s a problem! The Packer’s HC Matt LaFleur not addressing air quality issues.

Even after the Eagles’ disagreement, HC Matt refused to address the issue. On 2nd September, in an interview when the reporter asked if he has any about the air quality in Brazil, the coach replied, “Not now, no idea.” Followed by saying everybody has to prepare like they are the starters. Not everybody gets this opportunity so, the players and to prepare themselves to play.

CFB writer Jason B. Hirschhorn dives into the situation, stating, “Packers HC Matt LaFleur says he hasn’t heard anything from the league about the air quality in Brazil.” This seems odd knowing the wildfire citation in Brazil. The current concern is the size of these wildfires, which are impacting air quality. According to Karla Longo, a researcher at the National Institute for Space Research, wildfires have already burned an area the size of Italy, over 60 percent larger than last year’s fires.

The situation has escalated to the point where Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, visited the country’s fire monitoring center on Sunday, August 1. As smoke continues to engulf São Paulo and surrounding areas, the NFL is facing a wave of mixed reactions regarding the game in Brazil. One fan expressed frustration, suggesting, “Just make it a Philly home game,” urging the league to move the game back to American soil. Whereas another said, “Beyond ridiculous an NFL game is being played there,” showing his disappointment with the League’s and Packers’ ignorance towards this big issue. 

However even if the Packers HC is ready for the game, the Eagles are not happy with the choice of place which they have shared openly. 

Darius Slay Expressed Concerned over Matt LaFleur not addressing the issue

Darius Slay couldn’t hide his mixed feelings about the Eagles’ trip to Brazil. While excited for the adventure, Slay made it clear that the destination came with some serious concerns. “I can’t wait, but man, I do not want to go to Brazil,” he said. After he made this comment A.J. Brown also shared that the team was advised not to leave their hotels. 

Along with these two the practice squad offensive lineman Nick Gates, who was with the Giants in 2022 when they beat the Packers, also shared the cautious message from team officials. “They just told us to stay in the hotel and stay in that area,” Gates said, adding, “But we’re there to play a football game, and that’s kind of what they hinted at.” He said that it’s just a two-day business trip, with the focus on playing and then heading back home. With everything planned, fans can only hope it will be an interesting match.