In a surprising turn of events, the season opener between the Eagles and the Packers is set to take place in none other than Sao Paulo, Brazil. The decision sparked a heated debate, with Eagles cornerback Darius Slay raising concerns about the city’s reported high crime rate.
Despite Slay’s reservations, Burns, a representative for the game, reassured everyone that Sao Paulo is not as dangerous as it may seem. He acknowledged that like any major city, there are areas to avoid, but also highlighted the beautiful spots that players can explore during their time in the city. Burns encouraged the players to make the most of the opportunity and immerse themselves in all that Sao Paulo has to offer.
Interestingly, Slay, who initially spoke out against the location, later took to social media to soften his stance. He mentioned that the NFL had advised players to stay within the confines of their hotels, a precaution that has been given to UFC fighters in the past as well. Burns pointed out that many fighters who ignored the advice found their experiences in Brazil to be surprisingly positive.
Addressing concerns about specific colors, particularly green, Burns dismissed the idea as baseless. He confidently assured the players that there is no need to worry about their appearance in Sao Paulo. In fact, he even went so far as to say, “Those guys — all the football players — they look like Brazilians a little bit. They’re big, they’re strong. So they’re not going to have any problems there. And they’re going to have a lot of fun.”
In a recent interview, Burns continued to ease concerns about the unconventional location for the game. He emphasized the cultural exchange that can take place and the exciting opportunity for players to experience a different side of the world. Despite initial hesitations, it seems like the clash between the Eagles and the Packers in Sao Paulo is shaping up to be an unforgettable event.
