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NFL Players Express Safety Concerns Ahead of Brazil Game
As the NFL gears up for an exciting game in Brazil, players voice their safety concerns regarding travel, health protocols, and local conditions. Explore the implications of these worries on player morale and the upcoming matchup.
Concerns Over Safety in Brazil: NFL Players Speak Out
“I do not want to go to Brazil,” was the candid remark from Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay during a recent podcast episode. This statement sent ripples through the National Football League (NFL) executives, who have dedicated years of effort to organizing the opening-weekend game in Brazil.
As if that wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, Slay continued with alarming details about the situation on the ground. “They already told us not to leave the hotel,” he said, expressing his anxiety about the high crime rate. “The crime rate is crazy. You know what I’m saying? I’m like, N.F.L., why do you all want to send us somewhere with a crime rate this high?” His concerns extended to his family, whom he advised to stay back, voicing his hope to return home safely amidst reports of violence that have been circulating. “Boy, they’re talking about it being crazy down there,” he added.
Slay is not alone in his concerns. His teammate, wide receiver AJ Brown, also shared his apprehensions. When questioned by reporters, Brown mentioned his decision to remain in his hotel room, revealing that the team had been provided with an extensive list of “don’t do’s” for their time in Brazil. “The list included a lot, honestly,” he noted. “Even as simple as just walking down the street with your phone in your hand.”
Interestingly, what the Eagles coaching staff seemingly overlooked is the fact that Philadelphia’s crime rates are significantly higher than those in São Paulo. In 2022, São Paulo reported a murder rate of just 4.2 per 100,000 people, marking it as one of the safest cities in Brazil. In stark contrast, Philadelphia’s murder rate soared to an alarming 26.1 per 100,000 people, which is over six times higher than São Paulo’s. Notably, this figure exceeds Brazil’s national average murder rate of 23.1, as documented by the Homicide Monitor, a comprehensive database maintained by the Igarapé Institute, which specializes in research on security issues.
The Philadelphia Eagles players arrived in São Paulo International Airport on Wednesday, where they were reportedly briefed on the extensive list of precautions to take while in Brazil.