Europe Россия Внешние малые острова США Китай Объединённые Арабские Эмираты Корея Индия

NFL denies Packers star Josh Jacobs' claim that they've been told not to wear green in Brazil for Eagles game because it 'could cause violence' in Sao Paulo

5 months ago 31

By Leocciano Callao

Published: 18:44 BST, 9 June 2024 | Updated: 18:47 BST, 9 June 2024

The NFL quickly shut down rumors about a potential violent reaction to team colors ahead of the Packers-Eagles season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

During an appearance on the 'Green Light with Chris Long' podcast, Packers running back Josh Jacobs was asked what he was most excited about with the NFL's first game in the country.

However, his unexpected answer was not exactly what the league or Brazil wanted to hear.


'They said that the part of Brazil that we're going to, you can't even wear green at,' Jacobs claimed. 'I guess something to do with the gangs and stuff.'

'They said: 'We're not going to Rio.' They told us it's one of those places where they probably won't even let us leave. They probably gonna have, like, armored vehicles following us. I said: 'Bro, why are we out here? Why are we here?''

The NFL shut down Josh Jacobs' claim that they've been told not to wear green in Brazil 

'They was like: 'Just pack black and white colors,' because they were like: 'When you come here, we don't want no mishaps.''

The Packers and Eagles are two of three teams in the NFL with green as their primary color. Considering his claims, the placement of their game makes little to no sense.

The basis of Jacobs' misinformed statement stems from the game happening at the home of the red-wearing soccer team, Corinthians. The hosts' bitter rivals, Palmeiras, wear green, and the fan bases have a considerable history of violence.

NFL spokesperson Michael Signora responded the following day by debunking Jacobs' claims via The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Signora told Jeff Neiburg that the two-time Pro Bowler's remarks are 'not true,' citing that 'discussion of the color green is related to soccer' and has nothing to do with American football.

Jacobs, a two-time Pro-Bowler, claimed that the instructions were due to gang-related crimes 

The Eagles and Packers both wear green and will play the NFL season opener in Sao Paulo 

The game will be played in the home of red-wearing Brazilian soccer team, Corinthians 

Corinthians' bitter rivals, Palmeiras, wear green, and the fanbases have a history of violence 

A community of Brazilian Eagles supporters later mentioned on X that a joke by a Corinthians representative may have been the origin of the rumor. When the game was announced, the club's official quipped that the teams should avoid wearing green.

The Philadelphia Inquirer also noted that Sao Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes made a similar joke at a recent press conference.

Jacobs, who signed a four-year, $48million contract with Green Bay in March, owned up to his mistake after the correction was made.

'Damn I was misinformed,' he wrote on Instagram his Instagram story on Friday. 'Sorry Brazil see you soon.'

Read Entire Article