In an announcement that has stirred excitement among football fans, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed that the Philadelphia Eagles will be hosting the league's first regular-season game in Brazil on Friday, September 6, 2024. This historic event will take place just a day after the 2024 season opener, marking the first time in 54 years that the NFL will play a game on a Friday night during its opening weekend.
The game will be held at the renowned Corinthians Arena in Sao Paolo, home to the Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians. This stadium has previously been a host venue for major sporting events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. While the opponent for the Eagles is yet to be determined, fans eagerly await the announcement, which will be made closer to the unveiling of the 2024 schedule in the upcoming spring.
This regular-season game in Brazil is part of the NFL's continued efforts to expand its presence internationally. In addition to the game in Sao Paolo, four other regular-season matchups will be played outside the United States in 2024. The Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings will face off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will return to Wembley Stadium as part of their ongoing commitment to playing in Britain. Furthermore, the Carolina Panthers will take the field at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, which is the home stadium of Bayern Munich.
During his press conference, Commissioner Goodell also touched upon several other topics, including the issue of gambling and its impact on the integrity of the game. With the Super Bowl being hosted in Las Vegas, widely known as the gambling capital of the United States, concerns regarding the potential influence of legalized sports betting have been raised. Goodell emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the game is the league's top priority and stated that they are actively working on educating personnel about gambling policies.
Goodell acknowledged that some league employees and a few players have violated the gambling policy, but stressed the seriousness with which the NFL deals with these incidents. He noted that the league did not make the decision to legalize sports betting, but rather had to adapt to the Supreme Court's ruling on the matter. Taking a cautious approach, the NFL has been thoughtful in addressing the challenges that come with this new landscape.
Another topic discussed by Goodell was diversity within the league. He pointed out that the NFL has made significant progress in increasing diversity in leadership positions, with a record number of nine minority head coaches currently in place. Goodell emphasized that 51% of the league's employees are either people of color or women, indicating that the league is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Regarding the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coach openings, Goodell stated that it will remain in effect 'for the foreseeable future.' While some individuals have questioned the necessity of the rule, the commissioner believes it is still essential and hopes for a future where it won't be needed.
On a lighter note, Goodell shared his family's admiration for pop star Taylor Swift. He revealed that he, his wife, and their twin daughters are enthusiastic fans of Swift, dating back to their attendance at one of her concerts. The commissioner welcomed Swift's interest in the NFL and dismissed any speculation that her rumored romance with Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce was scripted, calling it 'nonsense.'
As the NFL continues to expand its global footprint and address critical issues, such as gambling and diversity, the upcoming regular-season game in Brazil represents a significant milestone. It not only showcases the popularity of American football around the world but also presents an opportunity to connect with new fans and build lasting relationships. With anticipation building, football enthusiasts await the announcement of the Eagles' opponent, marking another groundbreaking moment for the sport.
