The first-ever NFL game hitting Rio de Janeiro this Sunday between the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens is already stirring up a huge controversy, and it’s all about the field conditions at Maracaña Stadium. Local soccer players who call that stadium home are absolutely slamming the turf, and it’s a major subject swirling around this international showdown.
The Rio Turf Nightmare is Real
Forget the excitement for a second, because the playing surface itself is the main character here, and not in a good way. The complaints from soccer players are loud, and honestly, who can blame them when the field is a mess? The stadium released pictures, promising improvements, blaming too many games, matches after heavy rain, and high temperatures. The NFL is “aware” of these challenges. Groundskeepers are working overtime, and the league even took over the field prep this week. That’s how you know it’s serious.
Lamar Jackson’s “Dub in Brazil” Mindset
You’d think a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, with everything on the line, would be losing his mind over a bad field, right? Nope. When he spoke on Wednesday, his focus was laser-sharp. “I believe the NFL does a great job at having their specialists go out there and look over the fields,” Jackson said, almost brushing it off. He’s not getting caught up in the drama. “I cannot worry about that. I just have to worry about getting us a dub in Brazil. [As for] the field, we have played on bad fields plenty of times, so I cannot really dwell on that.” Talk about keeping your eye on the prize! He’s clearly not concerned about the conditions, at least outwardly.
More Than Just Lamar: What Does History Tell Us?
This isn’t the NFL’s first rodeo with questionable fields in Brazil, either. This is the third game there, and those previous São Paulo fields? Yeah, they got roasted too. It’s not just a Rio problem. Historically, the Cowboys played one international game in 2014 against the Jaguars. The Ravens have two under their belt, both in London , one against the Jaguars in 2017 and another in 2023 against the Titans. Other players and coaches echoed a similar sentiment, expecting the NFL to ensure safety. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton put it like this: “There is a lot of just, ‘he said, she said,’ kind of thing going on right now, so we will see.” He added, “I know the players are the product in this league… I am sure the league will ensure conditions are safe to play on.” That’s the real talk.
So, this Sunday on CBS, it’s the Cowboys vs. Ravens in Rio. The turf might be questionable, but Lamar Jackson’s message is clear: the only thing that matters is getting that win. Can they overcome the field challenges and bring home a “dub?” We’ll find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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