‘No Comment’: Philadelphia Eagles Star on Controversial Week 1 Game Location

The Philadelphia Eagles will take on their first opponent of the year, the Green Bay Packers, for the NFL’s first game in São Paulo, Brazil.

The game will take place on Friday, Sept. 6 and will be the second regular season game played in the 2024 NFL regular season. Controversy has surrounded the game’s location as players and personnel have been warned of violence in the area.

Philadelphia Eagles WR DeVonta Smith let his feelings be known

While Smith responded to a question regarding how he feels about traveling to Brazil with “no comment,” he made his feelings on the situation known succinctly and effectively.

DeVonta Smith on how he feels about going to Brazil: “No comment.” pic.twitter.com/veJnYAjAfV

— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) August 29, 2024

Fellow star wide receiver A.J. Brown was a little bit more vocal when discussing how he is going to tackle the trip to Brazil. Brown said in an article from Deadspin that he will be staying in his hotel room for the majority of the trip.

“We had a meeting yesterday with a whole bunch of don’t do’s,” Brown told the media. “I’m just trying to go down there, win a football game, and come back home.”

We’ve heard of “do’s and don’ts,” but it sounds like Brown has termed a new phrase. “Don’t do’s.”

“A lot, honestly,” Brown said. “Things that we would normally do here, as simple as just walking down the street with your phone in your hand.”

Brown, Smith and the rest of the Eagles and Packers players will have to go through customs and drastically alter the way they live their lives in order to participate in the league’s agenda to grow the game internationally.

They will have to avoid having valuables on them and some rumors began to circle on social media saying that Brazilian gang affiliations would make wearing green in the area extremely dangerous.

The U.S. Department of State lists Brazil as a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory. This implores visitors to be extra vigilant and aware of their surroundings, avoid going out alone and resist carrying valuable items.

Philadelphia Eagles fans are equally upset about the Brazil game

In a manner similar to the players and coaches that have to travel to Brazil, many fans of the teams playing in the week one game are not happy about the unique location.

Fans are noticing a sentiment from the team that begs for week one to be over as well as acknowledging the fact that the Eagles had to use one of their home games to play internationally.

Fans are concerned for their favorite player’s safety and they are considering the extra wear and tear that comes with international travel.

9 hour ride down bad enough
9 hour ride back after a game is impossible

— Joe Cappello (@JoeCappello3) August 29, 2024

Brazil isn’t safe for our boys

— Boogie Bankz (@BoogieBankz56) August 29, 2024

Hoping they come out hot, neither team seems interested in playing in Brazil. Wouldn’t be surprised if this is an ugly game for both teams.

— Will Roland (@WillRoland21) August 29, 2024

I think it’s ridiculous that we lose a home game because of it

— JumpMan (@NoahJump21) August 29, 2024

Seems like everyone is miserable

— Odds Assist (@oddsassist_) August 30, 2024

He speaks for everyone #Eagles

— Kevin OReilly🇺🇸 (@KevinORCard2011) August 29, 2024

Not only will there be added difficulty for the Eagles due to the unique and controversial location of the game, but they will be facing off against a Packers team that has a real chance to make a deep playoff run in 2024.

The Packers dominated the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, allowing them to make it further than the Eagles, who were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round. The Eagles will be playing their first season without the heart and soul of their offense, now-retired center Jason Kelce, since 2011.

The Eagles, who will be going through an adjustment period, could be in trouble if the Packers can keep the back half of the 2023 train rolling.

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