On November 8, 1926, the AFL’s New York Yankees took on the Los Angeles Wildcats in Toronto, making it the first-ever professional football game played on foreign soil. It took the NFL just over another 80 years to establish its International Series in 2007, and since then, the sport has only grown overseas. So, when Roger Goodell said, “We are excited to be playing in Brazil and São Paulo for the first time in 2024,” it pointed to positive signs. But as September 6 gets ever closer, are there more negative signs than positive ones?

Well, if AJ Brown’s comments about safety concerns are anything to go by, the answer to that question is likely “Yes.” The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Green Bay Packers at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo amidst wildfires raging through Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, reported from 30 cities across the state. An Associated Press report from Wednesday about the same read: “Smoke from wildfires in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest was causing people in the region to cough, burning their throats and reddening their eyes.”

Considering just how physical football is, conditions like this are less than suitable for players. It’s not just for players; it’s equally dangerous for spectators. But that’s not all. As a result of the wildfires, there have also been cases of a disease spike, with maximum cases of pneumonia, rhinitis, asthma attacks, and conjunctivitis.

In preparation for their trip to Brazil, the Eagles conducted team meetings, tidbits of which AJ Brown revealed. When asked if he’d learned the country’s native language – Portuguese – the wide receiver replied, “No, because we had a meeting yesterday. It was like a whole bunch of don’t do’s.” As much as growing the sport globally is important for the NFL, all that the Eagles and Packers are focused on is their players’ health and safety. It’s the first game of their respective seasons, so it makes sense why they’re taking every precaution possible.

AJ Brown added, “I’m just trying to go down there, win a football game, and come back home. That’s the best way I can put it.” Seeing as the Week 1 game between the Eagles and the Packers is the first-ever South American fixture, you would’ve thought the players would be looking forward to becoming a part of history. But that’s not entirely the case. After hearing about all the “don’t dos,” Brown remarked, “I’m probably gonna be in my room.” 

Even Nick Gates said something along similar lines. “They told us to stay in the hotel, stay in the area. We’re there for a football game. Go in, hopefully win the game, go home.” That seems to be on every Eagles player’s itinerary after the team meeting. As for DeVonta Smith, when asked about the trip to Brazil, he simply said, “No comment.” 

Coming back to the situation in Brazil. The massive wildfires have broken all records. The INPE (Brazilian Space Research Institute) claimed that since 1998, when it started collecting wildfire data, 2024 has seen the maximum number of wildfires (5,281). 20,000 hectares of land, including large sugarcane fields, have burned down. Brazilian agencies suspect that this is the work of gang members, and they have also arrested four suspects in connection to many fires. And people are suffering.

The air quality of São Paulo has come down drastically. Many are forced to wear masks whenever they are out of their homes. Respiratory diseases are on the rise; hospitals are reporting 20 times more patients than the regular number. The situation deteriorated so much that Environment Minister Marina Silva said, “Brazil is at war against fire and crime.”

Struggling with their lives and AJ Brown’s safety concern, there were chances that the game might be lackluster. However, the football lovers of São Paulo are excited. It’s historic!

Amidst AJ Brown’s concerns, the NFL is set to make the Brazil game a star-studded affair

The last few weeks haven’t been the best ones. But the NFL game on September 6 can become a lifesaver for the gloomy citizens of São Paulo. Many artists will perform throughout the day. The pregame show will feature electronic music artist CAROLA and a half-time performance by the legend Anitta. Luísa Sonza and Zeeba will sing the Brazilian and American national anthem before the game. The game is a show of power, too.

The anthem performances will also feature senior military personnel from both countries. Many influential leaders will be in attendance, too. Before history is made, let’s give you a sneak peek into an interesting historical fact. On May 26, 1824, US President James Monroe met his Brazilian counterpart José Silvestre Rebello in Washington, DC. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the relations between both countries. What a fitting moment for the first NFL game in Brazil!

NFL is also doing its best to make it a big event. On September 6, the NFL Experience, a free 3-day NFL fan festival, will begin at Parque Villa Lobos. There will be watch parties for the Packers vs Eagles game and other games scheduled that weekend. Moreover, a mural of Packers quarterback Jordan Love and his Eagles counterpart Jalen Hurts was painted in São Paulo recently to commemorate the NFL’s arrival in South America.

AJ Brown’s security concerns are valid, but there’s no denying this game will go down as a historic moment in the NFL. Expect the city to be full of visitors who want to witness this historic moment.