The NFL swiftly refuted rumors of potential unrest linked to team colors ahead of the Packers-Eagles season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
During an interview on the ‘Green Light with Chris Long’ podcast, Packers running back Josh Jacobs was asked about his expectations for the NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil. Surprisingly, his response was not what the league or the country wanted to hear.
Jacobs claimed, “They said that in the part of Brazil we’re going to, you can’t even wear green. I guess it has something to do with gangs and stuff.”
He continued, “They said, ‘We’re not going to Rio.’ They told us it’s one of those places where they probably won’t let us leave. They’ll probably have armored vehicles following us. I said, ‘Bro, why are we even going there?'”
The NFL refuted Josh Jacobs’ claim about gang-related issues in Brazil.
“They told us to pack only black and white colors,” Jacobs added. “They said, ‘When you come here, we don’t want any mishaps.'”
Given that both the Packers and the Eagles have green as their primary color, Jacobs’ statement seemed odd, to say the least.
The confusion likely arose due to the game being held at the home of the red-wearing Brazilian soccer team, Corinthians. Their bitter rivals, Palmeiras, wear green, and there is a history of violence between the two fan bases.
However, NFL spokesperson Michael Signora quickly debunked Jacobs’ claims, stating that the remarks were “not true” and that the discussion about the color green was related solely to soccer and had no connection to American football.
The Eagles and Packers, both wearing green, will face off in Sao Paulo.
The game will take place at the home of the red-wearing Brazilian soccer team, Corinthians.
Corinthians’ rivals, Palmeiras, wear green, and the fan bases have a history of violent clashes.
It was later suggested that a joke made by a Corinthians representative when the game was announced may have sparked the rumor. The club’s official quipped that the teams should avoid wearing green.
Similarly, Sao Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes made a lighthearted comment along the same lines during a recent press conference.
Jacobs, who signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay in March, acknowledged his mistake and took to Instagram to set the record straight, writing, “Damn I was misinformed. Sorry Brazil see you soon.”
