NFLPA raises safety and performance concerns over Brazil game field
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.
The NFL Players Association said the grass surface scheduled for Sunday’s game between the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro may affect player safety and performance. Executive director JC Tretter posted on Twitter that the field appeared loose and patchy, creating a risk of excessive slipping.
"Our number one priority is the health and safety of our players. The concern heading into this week was that the field would be loose, patchy, and lead to excessive slipping," Tretter wrote.
The union’s field experts have been on site for several days, recommending reinforced stitching and additional equipment to improve traction and stability. They will continue to monitor conditions through kickoff.
Tretter said the situation underscores two broader issues. First, he called for consistent field standards that address both safety and performance, noting recent problems with surfaces in other locations. Second, he linked the recurring field problems in Brazil to the league’s international expansion plans, stating that two of the three games held there have faced similar challenges.
He added that while the NFL aims to grow the sport globally, expansion must be paired with field conditions that meet the league’s standards for player safety and game quality.