In a clash of titans set to unfold in Brazil, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up to kick off their season in a showdown that promises to be nothing short of electrifying. However, before the battle on the gridiron begins, both teams must endure the grueling task of embarking on unusually long flights to reach Sao Paulo.
A journey spanning a whopping 12 hours from Wisconsin to Brazil awaits the Packers, while the Eagles face a more than nine-hour trek from Philadelphia. While some may view this as a mere formality, players from both sides have different plans to pass the time on the lengthy flight.
While some players have committed themselves to embracing the grind and using the flight to prepare mentally for the game ahead, others have shared their more relaxed approach with the press. It seems that most players will opt to either catch up on some much-needed sleep or indulge in some entertainment options to alleviate the monotony of the long journey.
For the Eagles, the team has strategically planned their flight during the day to ensure a smooth arrival in Brazil, allowing for dinner and a good night’s rest. Players like Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, Jalen Carter, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are looking forward to catching some shut-eye during the flight.
On the entertainment front, most Eagles players are planning on watching movies or binge-watching television shows. Popular choices include Netflix favorites like “Your Honor,” “Narcos,” “The Boys,” and “The Sandman.” Quarterback Kenny Pickett even took a recommendation from teammate Cam Jurgens and downloaded the first two seasons of “The Wire” to keep him occupied during the flight.
Amidst the sea of entertainment options, wide receiver Britain Covey stands out as the lone reader on the team, delving into the New York Times best-selling young adult novel “Sky’s End.” Covey shared that while the book may be targeted towards teenagers, he’s using it as a way to connect with his younger siblings-in-law.
Turning our attention to the Green Bay Packers, players like Jordan Love, Christian Watson, and cornerback Eric Stokes are focused on maximizing their sleep during the long flight. Stokes, in particular, plans to combat his sleepiness with a solid five hours of rest before toughing it out for the remainder of the journey.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff in Brazil, both teams are utilizing their time on the flight to prepare mentally and physically for the battle that lies ahead. From sleepers to readers to binge-watchers, each player has their own unique approach to passing the time and gearing up for the start of the season. The journey to Brazil may be long, but the anticipation for the upcoming clash on the field is even longer.
