History will be made Sunday when the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens play in the NFL’s first-ever game in Rio de Janeiro, but excitement is tempered by concerns about the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium. Several soccer players who regularly use the venue have publicly criticized the turf, putting field conditions under scrutiny.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson addressed the issue Wednesday, saying he trusts the league’s specialists to inspect the field and that his focus is on winning in Brazil. He added that his team has played on poor surfaces before, so he won’t be dwelling on it.
Stadium officials have released photos and promised improvements, blaming wear-and-tear from a heavy schedule, recent rainy matches and high temperatures for the turf problems. The NFL is reportedly aware of the situation; grounds crews are working to repair the surface, and the league has taken over responsibility for preparing the field this week.
This will be the NFL’s third game in Brazil — the previous two were held in São Paulo and also drew criticism for field conditions. Neither the Ravens nor the Cowboys have played in Brazil before. Dallas has one prior international outing (2014 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars), while Baltimore has played twice overseas in London (2017 at Jacksonville and 2023 at Tennessee).
Players and coaches have generally expressed confidence that the league will ensure a safe playing surface. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton noted there’s been a lot of “he said, she said” talk but emphasized that player safety must come first and expects the NFL to act accordingly. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey quipped that the team will play on whatever they’re given — “even concrete,” though he hopes conditions aren’t that extreme.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas is preparing not only with game plans but also practical adjustments, such as advising players on cleat choices that offer better traction. He said they expect the field to be fine, have contingency plans ready, and have briefed players on footwear, while ultimately leaving comfort and personal responsibility up to each player.
The game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+, kicking off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sept. 27.
Fan Take: This matchup matters because it’s a major step in the NFL’s global expansion, and field issues can affect player safety and the quality of the game — both crucial for the league’s reputation abroad. If the NFL handles the preparations well, it could build momentum for more international fixtures; if not, it could fuel skepticism about staging games in venues not built primarily for American football.
Source: www.cbssports.com
