Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs raised eyebrows this week when revealing why they were told by the NFL not to wear green when they play the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil, in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.
In an appearance on The Green Light Podcast with Chris Long, the 26-year-old said it may have something to do with gangs.
READ MORE
++ Corinthians stadium to host NFL game for first time in South America
++ Corinthians negotiates with Philadelphia Eagles so that they do not play in green in Brazil
++ Real Madrid-Barcelona: Vinicius references Tom Brady as the NFL legend attends El Clásico
“They said the part of Brazil we going to you can’t even wear green at,” Jacons said Thursday. “They said, I guess something to do with the gangs.”
We don’t know whether Jacobs actually heard this from the league or someone else, or if it was him who got it completely wrong. Either way, this is not the reason these teams should avoid green in their season opener.
The reason Packers and Eagles are expected not to wear green is because that’s the color of Palmeiras, the lifelong rivals of Corinthians, who own the stadium where the NFL game will take place (Neo Química Arena).
🚨BREAKING: The #NFL is telling #Packers & #Eagles player that they are NOT ALLOWED TO WEAR THE COLOR GREEN in Brazil for the opener, due the GANGS.
Teams will likely be forced to stay in the hotel all week and travel in armored vehicles, per Josh Jacobs.
(Via @greenlight pod) pic.twitter.com/8095I2RtcS
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 6, 2024
That area is full of Timão fans, who don’t want to see anything that reminds them to the crosstown rivals anywhere close to their home.
Both the Packers and Eagles’ home uniforms are green, so both teams will probably have to switch to alternate uniforms on this occasion.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
