Eagles usually face Giants, Commanders, and Cowboys. You could say that the Packers might have some wild experiences tussling with Vikings, Lions, and Bears. But none of them have ever come across ‘Gangs’, pollution, or even the Twitter (now X) ban. However, the Friday game would change these players’ resumes. But how high is the crime rate?

It’s a serious concern when players are more focused on staying safe than studying playbooks. You heard right — the Eagles had a security briefing the moment they touched down in Brazil. “We had a meeting yesterday, and there were a whole bunch of ‘Don’t Do’s’.” These were wideout AJ Brown‘s words after a previous meeting. Sounds like this game is more than just a battle on the field.

Brown also hinted that the league handed them the guideline for things that they would usually do back home, but cannot in Sau Paulo, like “walking down the street with your phone in your hand.” Brown’s teammate and CB, Darius Slayton, took it up a notch and noted he ‘did not want‘ to go to Brazil. “They already told us not to leave the hotel. They told us we can’t do too much going on.” Why? The crime rate.

Brazil may be famous for its samba and soccer, but it’s also tackling a much darker opponent: crime. Ranked seventh in the world for crime rates, Brazil’s stats aren’t pretty. With a staggering 23.6 homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, and peaks hitting as high as 30.8, safety is no small concern. And like an all-out blitz, organized crime has been relentless, with gang rivalries causing chaos on the streets.

With drug trafficking and corruption running rampant, it’s no wonder NFL players are raising an eyebrow ahead of the big game in São Paulo. You can’t blame them—Brazil’s reputation for violence isn’t exactly a walk in the park. But, like any team prepping for a tough opponent, São Paulo’s government is beefing up its defensive line. They’re rolling out hundreds of civilian and military police officers, ensuring that the historic Packers vs Eagles game doesn’t get sacked because of security issues.

From the hotels to the stadium, security is getting the full game plan treatment. Team buses will be escorted and police presence will be felt everywhere—from tourist hotspots to public transport. The security secretariat too was not messing about when he said: “Our policing will be beefed up during the week to secure the public’s safety for this historic match.” After all, the last thing anyone wants is for this NFL debut in South America to fumble.

The Packers players summed up the whole affair perfectly. Both Eric Stokes and Christian Watson echoed the same sentiment: “I don’t plan to leave the hotel or do anything while I’m out there.” However, amid all this, a pro-Brazilian MMA has asked everyone not to worry. Well, that’s coming straight from the man who spent his childhood growing up there. So, what’s he got to say about it?

Gilbert Burns downplays security concerns ahead of Packers vs Eagles!

Gilbert Burns isn’t buying into the pre-game jitters about security for the Packers vs Eagles showdown in São Paulo. The UFC welterweight, with all the swagger of a seasoned fighter, waved off the concerns in a conversation with TMZ on September 5th, saying, “It’s not that crazy, you know? If they make you feel like it, but it’s not that crazy.” Sounds like Burns thinks these NFL giants have nothing to worry about — after all, they’ve faced bigger hits on the field, right?

For Burns, who’s faced his fair share of opponents in the cage, the advice is simple: get out there and soak up São Paulo. Why stay holed up in a hotel when the city’s culture is just a few steps away? “No way, no way,” Burns confidently said when asked if the players should stay in. With security beefed up and the players built like linebackers, what’s there to fear, right? Maybe. But it’s a whole new experience for some. A home away from home for the Eagles. As for the Packers, it’s the away day some of them would have chosen to avoid if they had a choice.

Sure, Burns won’t make it to the game because he’s busy prepping for his fight against Sean Brady. But he’s got zero doubts the NFL stars will have a blast. So, with all set and done. Security in place. Fans settling in. Players warming up. The Packers vs Eagles is finally set to kick off tonight at 8:15 PM ET. It sure will set the tone for the 2024 International Series, if anything.