Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) –This week, the Packers will look to start off their season with a win in Brazil against the Eagles. However, some of the focus has been on the crime in São Paulo instead of the game.
As the NFL’s first-ever game in South America approaches, both the Packers and Eagles have met with the league’s security team, which has informed them on what they can and can’t do while in São Paulo.
While the Packers are treating this game like a business trip, they are aware of the dangers present in the fourth-largest city in the world.
Green Bay cornerback Eric Stokes said leaving the hotel is definitely not advised.
“There’s a lot that we can and can’t do, but that’s outside of everything. Our main thing is once we’re there, the circumstances are just going to be the circumstances. We’re coming there to play a game and everything else is just going to happen,” Stokes said.
“We’re focused on Philadelphia,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said. “If you draw your attention elsewhere, I think you’re going to do yourself a disservice. We’re going to keep our focus on Philly. It’s a really good football team.”
As for the Eagles, they were a little more outspoken about not being thrilled to play in São Paulo.
When asked his opinion on playing in Brazil, Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith said, “No comment.”
Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said, “I do not want to go to Brazil, and you wanna know why? I’m here to tell you why. They already told us not to leave the hotel. They told us we can’t do too much because the crime rate is crazy. I’m like, NFL, why do you want to see us somewhere where the crime rate is this high? I told my family do not come down there.”
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown added, “I’m just trying to go down there, win a football game and go back home. That’s the best way I can put it. Things that we would normally do here, even as simple as walking down the street with your phone in your hand and stuff like that, which is kind of crazy.”
The Packers are staying in the city, which is about an hour drive from Arena Corinthians.
Kickoff for Friday’s game is set for at 7:15 p.m. Titletown will be hosting a watch party on Ariens Hill beginning at 5 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required to secure a spot.
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