When it comes to the NFL’s obsession with expanding the footprint of professional football, nothing will stand in the way.
Concerns exist regarding the quality of the playing surface in Rio de Janeiro for next Sunday’s game between the Ravens and Cowboys. However, the league is undeterred.
Via Mark Maske’s Sports Front OfficeA league spokesman said Sunday that (quoting Maske, not the spokesman) “the league is looking forward to the match in Rio and, as with all international matches, it has a plan in place to ensure a high quality playing surface.”
Separately, the NFL Players Association told Mask that it is aware of the situation and has been in contact with the league office about it.
Eight years ago, the NFL moved a Chiefs-Rams game from Mexico City to LA due to turf concerns. However, the league has seemingly adopted a “damn the torpedoes” approach when it comes to globalizing the game – and doesn’t seem inclined to let something like a less-than-ideal field get in the way.
