When you mix NFL football with international drama, you get a story like this. The first-ever NFL regular-season game in Brazil is stirring up more than just excitement—it’s turning into a political saga. The South American nation, due to host the Packers vs. Eagles showdown on Friday, has been in the news due to its ongoing socio-political tensions. But the NFL is going ahead with the game, despite calls for it to be moved, and after the Eagles CB Darius Slay caused a stir with his comments about Brazil, the Packers HC has brushed off any concerns surrounding the game.

The NFL has been touting its new partnership with Brazil, with the game on September 6 a key development in its long-term plan for global growth. But unlike its previous ventures in the UK and Germany, the expansion in Brazil has not been without its controversies. From players raising concerns over safety to political pressure to call off the game, the league’s first foray into the country has been a challenging one even before a single kick.

But hours after facing political heat, Packers HC Matt LaFleur pushed back against skepticism surrounding the game. Speaking to the media in a press conference, he said, “I think any time that venture and there’s an unknown, things can get misconstrued. There’s a lot of misinformation, I would say,” LaFleur asserted.

Despite the fuss, he stays positive, adding, “We’re really excited to be here, and it’s an honor to be here. We’re looking forward to the 2024 season.” Well, LaFleur’s defiant stance suggests the NFL won’t be budging from its standing despite the political pressure, especially following the ban on Elon Musk’s X in Brazil.

On September 1, Republican Representative, John Macco asked the NFL to cancel the game in Sao Paulo, citing the unrest in the country. In a Facebook post, he wrote, “The Green Bay Packers and the National Football League ought to cancel the game in Brazil scheduled for this coming week.”

Macco’s concerns include regime pressure, violence, and legal actions against U.S. companies. He highlighted recent tensions, which include Brazil’s Supreme Court upholding a ban on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, which was accused of enabling misinformation and hate speech spread by the supporters of former far-right President, Jair Bolsonaro.

Macco further said the ongoing situation in Brazil “is inconsistent with the NFL and the Packers stated mission” and cited concerns over player safety. Now hold up, is there any obligation on the NFL to talk about the X ban and political discourse in another country?  Certainly not. But the league has stood up for social justice and civic engagement over the years.

The NFL has partnered with gay rights causes and has committed to donating over $250 million over 10 years to BLM to combat systemic racism. Talking about moving a game, it doesn’t get bigger than the Super Bowl. In 1991, the league voted to move the 1993 Super Bowl game from Phoenix, after Arizona after its voters failed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a paid holiday.

More recently, the league was quick to distance itself from comments made by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who said women should be proud to be mothers and wives as their ultimate goal. So the league has shown its commitment to social causes, but they might be careful when it comes to picking their battles.

Brazil’s political maelstrom has been brewing for some time. In 2022, Bolansaro was replaced by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as presented and since then the former President has been under investigation for various crimes. Despite the allegations and legal proceedings against him, his followers have been supporting him strongly with a rally in February attended by thousands.

Brazil’s volatile political landscape’s made headlines, further fueled by a recent uptick in crime rates. Eagles CB Darius Slay voiced his apprehension on his podcast, Big Play Slay, saying, “Man, I do not want to go to Brazil…I tell you why. They already told us we cannot leave the hotel. The crime rate is crazy.” Slay also advised his family to skip the trip. However, he later changed his tune.

Taking to his X account on September 3, he wrote, “I want to apologize to anyone I offended, that wasn’t my intention. I’m looking forward to playing in your beautiful country and i’ve heard (y’all) are very passionate just like our amazing Eagles (fans),” Slay wrote. “Just a few more days, can’t wait!!!!” Ironically, with the ongoing X ban in Brazil, many of the people in the country won’t be able to see or read Slay’s apology on the social media platform.

Meanwhile, Philly’s AJ Brown and Packers RB Josh Jacobs are feeling the heat, too. Brown talked through the team’s pre-tour rules, while Jacobs got confused about the green color ban, which is actually tied to a soccer rivalry, not gangs.

Despite the noise, the game is a go, and both teams are bracing to put the focus back on-field. With Brazil’s digital landscape buzzing (Bluesky recently gained 2.6M users after the X ban), the NFL’s keeping its eyes on the football, and Commissioner Roger Goodell is all smiles too.

Roger Goodell ignites global football fever with the São Paulo showdown

Roger Goodell’s cranking up the NFL’s global game plan, and Brazil’s about to feel the full blast. The commissioner swung by the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to drop some knowledge on the NFL’s first regular-season game in São Paulo, and he’s not holding back.

“We looked at the data; the fanbase is incredible down there,” Goodell said. “This is sort of the spark that creates the fire. The regular season game point’s to bring this directly to the fans, and we’re seeing that reaction.” And he’s not kidding—tickets for the Eagles-Packers clash are flying faster than you can say touchdown! “We’re a couple of days out now. The tickets are really at a premium; it’s hard to find. There’s a lot of excitement in town,” Goodell added.

Brazil has one of the largest NFL followings in the world and has established itself as the second-biggest NFL fan base in the world (only behind Mexico) with around 38 million fans in the country. So it makes all the sense in the world for the NFL to explore the market there.

Sure, the league’s global expansion is stirring up some controversy. But the NFL’s Brazil play is about more than just a game; it’s a power move to spread football love and make a splash. Goodell channeled Tom Brady’s hype, recalling, “The first year, Tom met me after the game and said, ‘This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in football’.” And that’s the vibe they’re aiming for.

As Brazil gears up for a football fiesta, the NFL’s set to score big on and off-field. Let’s hope this international game is as epic as it sounds.