The NFL will play its first-ever game in Brazil in September, and those involved are getting some unusual warnings from the league that they probably will not be used to.
In an appearance on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said the NFL had warned players on the Packers and Philadelphia Eagles not to wear green while in Brazil, supposedly due to its significance to local gangs. Jacobs added that the league had suggested black and white clothing and made it sound like the trip to Sao Paulo will be anything but relaxing.
NFL players are being told not to wear green in Brazil for the Eagles vs Packers week 1 game
Full Josh Jacobs interview out now on @YouTubehttps://t.co/5Ri3uC6w0s pic.twitter.com/VmuivtC90l
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) June 6, 2024
“They said that the part of Brazil we’re going to, we can’t even wear green at. I guess something to do with the gangs and stuff,” Jacobs said. “They told us this is one of them places where they won’t even let us leave the hotel. They’re probably going to have, like, armored vehicles following us around. I said, ‘Bro, why are we out here?’
“I was looking forward to it. I’m like, ‘Man, this might be a fun week.’ Y’all telling us that, they’re like, yeah, it’s not going to be like that. Yeah, alright.”
Jacobs was quick to note that both the Packers and Eagles wear green, and that the color is even the most prominent one on Brazil’s flag.
While Jacobs himself had few details about the significance, we may have already had a hint. The game is to take place at Corinthians Arena, where the color green is forbidden because it is worn by soccer club SC Corinthians’ biggest rival, SE Palmeiras. The whole thing is serious enough that the Eagles might not be able to wear their home uniforms. Evidently, the restrictions might even apply off the field as well.
