Rio Field Conditions
NFLPA Raises Field Quality Concerns Ahead of Historic Cowboys-Ravens Game in Rio
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NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter says the Maracanã Stadium field in Rio de Janeiro needed better traction and stability ahead of Sunday’s Cowboys-Ravens game, the NFL’s first in the city. NFL and union field experts have monitored the surface and reinforced it, including with stitching, while continuing evaluations through kickoff. Tretter said a loose, slick field may chiefly affect playability rather than pose a major injury risk, but can still undermine player performance and game quality. He also called for field standards that address both safety and performance, citing recurring field concerns in Brazil as grounds to reconsider the pace of the NFL’s international expansion. The league has said the game remains scheduled and that it can manage the field conditions.
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NFL field director Nick Pappas said Rio had experienced record rainfall over the previous six weeks, creating challenges for the surface, but said the conditions were manageable; he also said the league had not discussed moving the game.
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The concerns were echoed by local soccer players. Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi said the pitch had bumps throughout and that both penalty areas were in very poor condition.
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The Cowboys and Ravens flew to Brazil on Thursday night and were due to get their first look at the Maracanã playing surface during Saturday walkthroughs, one day before the game.
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The NFL’s two previous Brazil games were played in São Paulo: the Eagles faced the Packers in 2024, and the Chiefs played the Chargers in 2025 before the league selected Rio for this game.
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