Players criticize Maracanã field after NFL game in Rio

Players criticize Maracanã field after NFL game in Rio

Sports

Players said the playing surface at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium deteriorated during the NFL matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens on 26 September, though no injuries were reported. The league had announced plans to stage the Ravens-Cowboys game at the Maracanã despite reports that the grass field might appear poor on television.

The NFL Players Association warned that the surface could fail to meet safety and performance standards, prompting league officials to work with independent experts to reinforce the turf. After an inspection, NFL officials declared the field met safety requirements, allowing the international contest to proceed.

Actors

National Football League Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys

Locations

Maracanã Stadium Rio de Janeiro

Articles

September 28, 2026
1 total
NFL field at Rio's Maracanã draws player criticism after Cowboys-Ravens game
NFL field at Rio's Maracanã draws player criticism after Cowboys-Ravens game

NBC Sports • 28 Sep 21:22

Players noted the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium deteriorated during the NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, prompting concerns about field quality despite no injuries.

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September 26, 2026
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NFL confirms Maracanã field meets standards ahead of Cowboys-Ravens game
NFL confirms Maracanã field meets standards ahead of Cowboys-Ravens game

sports.yahoo.com • 26 Sep 22:55

The playing surface at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium passed required tests after NFLPA concerns, clearing the way for the upcoming Baltimore Ravens-Dallas Cowboys matchup.

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NFL game between Ravens and Cowboys set for Rio's Maracanã Stadium despite field concerns
NFL game between Ravens and Cowboys set for Rio's Maracanã Stadium despite field concerns

NBC Sports • 26 Sep 22:18

The Baltimore Ravens will face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium, with league officials saying the playing surface is acceptable despite visible synthetic patches.

Credibility 68% Manip. 12% Center
NFL assures safety of Maracanã Stadium field ahead of Ravens-Cowboys game
NFL assures safety of Maracanã Stadium field ahead of Ravens-Cowboys game

NBC Sports • 26 Sep 15:01

NFL officials said the playing surface at Rio's Maracanã Stadium meets safety standards after an inspection with independent experts and the NFL Players Association.

Credibility 68% Manip. 8% Center
September 25, 2026
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NFLPA raises safety and performance concerns over Brazil game field
NFLPA raises safety and performance concerns over Brazil game field

NBC Sports • 25 Sep 19:18

NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter said the grass field in Rio de Janeiro poses traction and stability issues, highlighting broader worries about international game standards.

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NFLPA raises concerns over Rio field ahead of Cowboys-Ravens game
NFLPA raises concerns over Rio field ahead of Cowboys-Ravens game

USA Today • 25 Sep 19:02

The NFL Players Association warned that the playing surface at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium may not meet safety and performance standards for the upcoming international matchup, prompting the league to take remedial actions.

Credibility 78% Manip. 10% Center
NFL schedules Ravens-Cowboys game at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium despite field concerns
NFL schedules Ravens-Cowboys game at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium despite field concerns

nbcsports.com • 25 Sep 14:42

The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys will play at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium on Sunday, with officials working to reinforce the grass field after reports of its condition.

Credibility 72% Manip. 32% Center
September 22, 2026
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NFL plans to hold Ravens-Cowboys game in Rio despite field concerns
NFL plans to hold Ravens-Cowboys game in Rio despite field concerns

NBC Sports • 22 Sep 16:55

The league intends to stage the Ravens versus Cowboys matchup at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, acknowledging that the playing surface may appear poor on television.

Credibility 68% Manip. 8% Center

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