NFL field at Rio's Maracanã draws player criticism after Cowboys-Ravens game
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.
The playing surface at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro came under scrutiny after the NFL matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. While the league said the turf met minimum standards, several participants reported that conditions worsened as the game progressed.
Cowboys safety Caleb Downs said the field was “good at the beginning of the game, but at the end of the game it was pretty much just dirt out there,” according to a report by the Dallas Morning News. He added that the condition did not excuse the team’s performance.
An on-site source described the surface as “aesthetically unappealing” and likened it to a “patchy lawn,” noting that it posed no immediate health risk but fell short of the NFL’s usual expectations for field quality.
The NFL has not reported any injuries related to the playing surface, and officials said the game’s integrity was not affected. However, the comments highlight ongoing concerns about maintaining consistent field standards for international venues.