NFL Says It Has 'No Concerns' About the Maracanã Field for Cowboys-Ravens in Rio
Flamengo's goalkeeper called the surface unbelievable and bumpy after record rainfall, but the league's field director says moving Sunday's game is not a conversation.
The NFL says the grass at Maracanã Stadium will be ready for Sunday's Week 3 game between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, despite complaints from the soccer players who use it. "No concerns right now," league field director Nick Pappas told ESPN.
What are the complaints?
Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi said after a recent match, "It's unbelievable that we're playing on a field like this," adding that "there are bumps everywhere." Pappas acknowledged "a significant amount of rainfall, a record kind of rainfall over the last six weeks" but said the league is "capable of managing" it. Asked about relocating the game: "No, that's not a conversation." Players slipped repeatedly on the surface at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo during the league's first Brazil game in 2024.
What do the teams say?
Ravens coach Jesse Minter said the league has people monitoring the field and the team feels "pretty good about it." Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer: "I trust that the league's going to make the right decision and they'll get the field up to standard." Jerry Jones said field quality is "of utmost concern to the league."
Sources
- ESPN: NFL: 'No concerns' over field conditions in Rio for Cowboys-Ravens
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