The NFL has been expanding its market over the years. With yearly games taking place in London, and today marking the second game in Germany. The NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell announced they want to have as many as eight international games next season. The NFL played its first game in Brazil in week one this season. When the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles squared off on a Friday night.
NFL Locations For International Games
The NFL has been a mainstay in London since 2016, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have become London’s home team playing two games there a year the last couple of seasons. The NFL has also played games in Germany, Brazil, and Mexico City.
One location already confirmed for the 2025 schedule is Madrid, Spain. Other locations under consideration is Dublin, Ireland as well as Berlin, Germany. According to Roger Goodell the NFL is trying very hard to get a game in Berlin sooner than later. Of course, the NFL will return to London next season. It’s also being discussed that a return to Brazil and Mexico City is in the works for next season. Goodell stated, “Starting in Brazil was fantastic.” He then continued, “Sao Paulo was new for us, and they could not have gone better. The teams had a great time.”
Though the NFL schedule for next year is still uncertain in regard to the international games, we should know more as the schedule is released next spring. Goodell and the NFL has also been in talks about having the Super Bowl played in London at some point in the future.
Not All Players Want More International Games
Although the NFL and Commissioner Goodell are excited about the expansion of the NFL into other countries. Not all the players share the same enthusiasm. Eagles veteran cornerback Darius Slay was very vocal with his displeasure about playing in Brazil to open the season this season. Slay spoke on his podcast Big Play Slay, stating how he didn’t want to play in Brazil due to the countries incredibly high crime rate. Eagles receiver AJ Brown also expressed concern over this, saying he would be spending the majority of his time in the team hotel room.
Slay also said he wouldn’t have his family travel to Brazil to watch him play, due to the concern over the crime rate. Slay would later come out and apologize for his comments, “I want to apologize to anyone I offended, that wasn’t my intention.” He also said, “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.”
Field conditions is another concern for many players. When the NFL plays in these international games for the most part they are playing on soccer fields, which are very different than your typical NFL turf. If you watched the Packers and Eagles square off week one in Brazil, you might remember multiple players slipping and sliding all over the field. Multiple players went through numerous pairs of cleats trying to find which ones would help their footing.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was also injured in Brazil. Love’s injury occurred with less than 10 seconds left in the game as he was tackled by two Eagles defenders. It was reported that the poor field conditions could have led to more injuries. The NFL is excited about expanding its international game schedule but is it really best for player health?
For All NFL and College Football Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @MikeMatkin97. Also, don’t forget to give us a follow here at Gridiron Heroics. To read more of our articles and stay up to date on all news and analysis in the NFL and College Football world.
