After two years of holding games in São Paulo, the NFL will bring its regular season to Rio de Janeiro for the first time in history. The showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens is scheduled for September 27 at Maracanã Stadium, representing a decisive test for the league's expansion plans in Brazil.
The organization already considers the games held in Brazil a success, but now seeks to consolidate by reaching a new consumer market. The NFL's executive vice president, Peter O'Reilly, spoke to the press in the week leading up to the season opener, stating that a successful event at Maracanã will open doors for more opportunities in the country.
Among the highlights of the matchup, wide receiver George Pickens of the Cowboys said he wants to "put on a show" in the Rio game. On the Ravens' side, a star of the team revealed expectations for playing in Brazilian territory, according to the report.
With one week until the regular season begins — the pigskin kicks off next Wednesday (9) — the Rio game will count as the NFL's third week. The league shows excitement over the responses from Brazilian teams and sees the match in Rio as fundamental to the next steps of its international expansion.
