On September 6, 2024, the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil, making it the first-ever NFL game to be played in South America. Both of these teams made the night incredible for Brazil natives.
For over 15 years, the league has been expanding the locations of international games, which have been hosted all around Europe like in the UK and Germany. The NFL has been trying to figure out ways to expand fan bases around the world.
PE teacher and Football Coach, Mr. Ferrari, said having games in South America “promotes the sport.”
The atmosphere at Corinthians Arena was incredible; even though the Eagles and Packers were playing, there were jerseys of multiple teams from all over the league worn at the game. It didn’t matter who was playing; the fans were just really happy to be there.
In an interview with Eagles Head Coach, Nick Siranni, says, “I miss our fans at the Linc, but Brazil, wow! That was incredible. It was a fun atmosphere, felt like a playoff atmosphere.”
The attendance for the first Friday night season opener, since 1970, was 47, 236 people. The fan base in Brazil has been growing since the games have been broadcasted on free-to-air and cable TV.
The game was an offensive show, as the Eagles won 34-29. In his Eagles debut, running back Saquon Barkley had three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving, with 109 rushing yards. Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed ended the night with two touchdowns, one being 70 yards.
Corinthians Arena, home of Sports Club Corinthians Paulista, has more slippery turf than NFL fields do because of the main sport that plays there: soccer. A number of players lost their footing and slipped because of the slick surface.
When comparing the two teams, Sophomore Jacob Hillier considers the Eagles better than the Packers.
“The Eagles now have Saquon, and if Hurts can clean up his passing, he can be better than Love,” Hillier comments.
Stay tuned for four more international games! There will be two games in London, UK, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; The NY Jets are playing the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars are playing the Chicago Bears. The New England Patriots are playing the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, UK, and the NY Giants will play the Carolina Panthers at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
