The NFL made history with its first game in Brazil, hosted by soccer club Corinthians at the NeoQuimica Arena. Despite Corinthians' aversion to the color green, fans seemed unfazed by the dominant green color schemes of the visiting teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Excitement was palpable in Sao Paulo for the 2024 NFL season's second game and the league's inaugural visit to South America. Both the Packers and the Eagles had successful playoff runs the previous season, adding to the anticipation.
One dedicated Packers fan, who traveled from Oakland, California, with friends, proudly sported green attire, undeterred by Corinthians' color preferences. The group, comprising Eagles fans as well, eagerly awaited the game at a nearby fast-food joint.
Local enthusiasm for American football was evident, with an estimated 38 million fans of the sport in Brazil. The stadium was expected to host at least 42,000 spectators, showcasing the growing popularity of the NFL in a soccer-centric nation.
Some Corinthians supporters, like Bruno Silva, embraced the visiting teams, particularly the Eagles, for not donning green attire. Silva's allegiance to Philadelphia, the designated home team for the game, reflected a sense of reciprocity and support.
Despite traditional loyalties, fans like William Camargo proudly displayed their Green Bay Packers jerseys, drawing parallels between the community-owned ethos of both the Packers and Corinthians. The presence of jerseys from various NFL teams, such as New England, San Francisco, Buffalo, and Baltimore, highlighted the diverse fan base in attendance.
Off the field, former NFL player Russell Okung captivated fans with capoeira performances, a Brazilian martial art infused with dance elements. Okung's admiration for Brazil and the NFL's milestone visit resonated with the enthusiastic crowd gathered outside the stadium.
The NFL's foray into Brazil marked a significant moment for American football enthusiasts in the country, showcasing the sport's global appeal and fostering cross-cultural connections through a shared love for the game.
