NFL Proceeds With Cowboys-Ravens Brazil Game Despite Stadium Field Concerns

The NFL is proceeding with the Cowboys-Ravens game in Rio de Janeiro on September 27 despite field condition complaints from Flamengo players at Maracanã Stadium. NFL field director Nick Pappas said there are "no concerns" and the league has a plan in place, though heavy rainfall has caused significant grass deterioration at the venue.

Quick Facts

NFL regular-season game scheduled to proceed
Field conditions complaints from soccer players
Heavy rainfall damaging grass surface
One additional soccer match scheduled before NFL game
NFL field director states no relocation plans

The NFL is moving forward with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens game scheduled for September 27 at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, despite significant concerns about the playing surface raised by professional soccer players at the venue.

Flamengo Football Club players, whose team plays at the stadium, have publicly criticized the field conditions in recent weeks. Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi stated that "bumps everywhere" make the pitch unsuitable for play, while midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta said the field "keeps getting worse" and makes it "harder and harder to control the ball." Heavy rainfall over the past six weeks has damaged the grass surface, compounding the deterioration.

NFL field director Nick Pappas told ESPN on Monday that there are "no concerns right now" about the field, citing the league's monitoring and management capabilities despite record rainfall in the region. "It's all about monitoring it. It's all about having a plan in place and then being able to react to anything that maybe comes our way," Pappas said. When asked about relocating the game, he stated, "No, that's not a conversation." Both Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones have expressed confidence in the league's ability to prepare the field to standard.

The game marks the NFL's first regular-season contest in Rio and the third in Brazil overall. One additional soccer match is scheduled at Maracanã on September 20, leaving less than a week for field repairs before the NFL game. The precedent for relocation exists: in 2018, the NFL moved a Chiefs-Rams game from Mexico City to Los Angeles six days before kickoff due to field conditions. Similarly, the 2024 Eagles-Packers game in São Paulo at a different venue drew complaints about slick playing surfaces.

The NFLPA has been in contact with the league regarding the situation. Both teams are scheduled to arrive Thursday evening and practice Friday in Brazil. The game is set for 4:25 p.m. Eastern time.

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#Flamengo #Maracanã Stadium #Cowboys #soccer #Brazil #Rio de Janeiro #NFL #field conditions #Ravens #international game

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Why This Matters

The NFL's decision to proceed affects player safety protocols and stadium infrastructure standards for international events. The game is scheduled for September 27 with one additional soccer match on September 20, leaving less than one week for repairs. Heavy rainfall has measurably damaged the grass surface, documented by Flamengo players' public complaints. The NFL previously relocated a 2018 Chiefs-Rams game six days before kickoff due to field conditions, establishing precedent for relocation decisions. Teams arrive Thursday and practice Friday; kickoff is 4:25 p.m. Eastern time. The outcome will set a precedent for future NFL games at venues with shared soccer use and tropical rainfall patterns.