The NFL Players Association dispatched representatives to Rio de Janeiro to assess field conditions at Maracanã Stadium ahead of Sunday's Dallas Cowboys-Baltimore Ravens game.
The NFLPA determined the issues at the venue involve performance and playability rather than player safety. The union's concern centered on a field that could be "loose, patchy, and lead to excessive slipping," according to NFLPA Executive Director JC Tretter, who said these conditions pose a challenge for player performance rather than a significant injury risk.
"Our guys are exceptional at what they do, and I'm confident they'll put on a terrific game in Rio this week," Tretter said in a written statement Friday. "But players shouldn't have to overcome the field."
Tretter emphasized that "growth alone cannot be the goal" as the league expands its international schedule. Player health and safety remain the union's top priority, he said.
This marks the NFLPA's first comprehensive public statement this week regarding the field issues. Soccer players for Flamengo, who use Maracanã as their home field, had previously voiced concerns about the pitch's condition.
The NFL responded by stating it anticipated a high-quality playing surface. Nick Pappas, the NFL's field director, said he "fully anticipate[d] being able to prepare the field this week" and attributed earlier issues to heavy recent rainfall. Despite those assurances, the NFLPA deployed its own field experts to Brazil.
The NFLPA's experts recommended reinforced stitching to secure the surface and brought in specialized equipment to improve traction and stability. A video posted Thursday by a Maracanã Stadium social media account showed a GrassMaster Stitch Machine in operation, described as providing "structural reinforcement for the pitch." NFLPA experts will continue evaluating conditions through kickoff.
Both the Cowboys and Ravens arrived in Brazil on Friday morning. This game is the second of nine international NFL games scheduled for the current season.
The collective bargaining agreement permits the NFL to schedule up to 10 international games per season. Any increase beyond that limit requires negotiation with the NFLPA. The league has indicated an intent to eventually expand the international schedule to 16 games.
