LAS VEGAS During his state of the NFL media conference at Allegiant Stadium on Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Philadelphia Eagles would host the league’s first regular-season game in BraziThe Eagles, who haven’t played abroad since 2018, will take on an opponent that hasn’t been revealed in São Paolo on Friday, September 6, the day after the NFL season begins on Thursday night. In more than 50 years, this Friday game on opening weekend will mark the NFL’s first.”We are just incredibly enthusiastic about our growth on a global basis,” Goodell stated. “We firmly believe that we can become a major international sport soon. Our ownership has promised to permit additional games to be played annually, worldwide. Our media partners and the fans’ response have us thrilled. I believe the league has a fantastic possibility here, and we’re determined to establish it as a major international sport.” The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers are the Eagles’ home opponents in 2024. “This year, Brazil is new for us,” Goodell continued. We believe that this is enabling us to reach a larger audience. not only in this country but also worldwide. And it will be a big hit, in my opinion. We’re thrilled
38 million Brazilians follow the league, according to NFL.com, and their interest in the playoffs and the Super Bowl has “increased” recently. The probable location of the event is Corinthians Arena, which has 49,000 seats and has hosted World Cup and Olympic soccer matches in the past. This information was also mentioned on the league website. The owners passed a resolution in the fall requiring each club to play an international game once every four years, so the NFL, which already plays international games in England and Germany, may target Spain in 2025.
Goodell’s position on gambling
During his more than fifty-two-minute news conference, Goodell also addressed the paradox of his vocal opposition to gambling legalization in 2012 given that the Super Bowl is being held in Las Vegas.
“Protecting the integrity of the game, making sure that our fans understand that what they see out there does not have any undue influence [is key],” Goodell stated.
“The choice was not made by us. In the end, the Supreme Court made the judgment to authorize sports wagering. We must change. We must accept it. We have exercised caution. I believe that we have taken a very deliberate approach. However, we are aware of the risk, and maintaining integrity comes first.”
Goodell reported that “roughly 13 players” had been disciplined and that about 25 league workers had broken the gambling ban.
“If [you’re] betting on the NFL, you’re terminated automatically,” he stated. “That’s it.It’s the first time since 1974 that Bill Belichick works for no NFL team. Goodell was asked what he thought about a league without Belichick.
“You know, that guy is one of the great coaches in our history,” added Goodell. “He is remarkable. And I find him extraordinary for what he’s accomplished.”
Goodell claimed to have spoken with Belichick since the New England Patriots’ season concluded.
Goodell remarked, “He’s done so much for this league.” “He has altered the game in numerous ways. Whether or not he is coaching, he has introduced innovation, and I don’t think anyone can take anything away from his track record. Although I believe he will be missed, I have a hunch he will somehow be there at the game.”
Goodell fined Belichick $500,000 in 2007.”The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins AFC wild card game was aired on Peacock, which infuriated a lot of fans.
Goodell acknowledged that a streamed Super Bowl will not occur during his watch, but he refused to call streaming the wave of the future. Nevertheless, it is a reality and will play a role in the NFL’s future.
“Consumers are moving off paid television,” he stated. “We need to fish where the fish are and be able to connect with their followers there. And on those platforms, we have a sizable customer base.”
According to Goodell, 90% of NFL games are still available on “free TV,” but for the Peacock broadcast, viewers’ average age decreased by nearly ten years.Indeed, Goodell is aware of the hoaxes surrounding the relationship between pop sensation Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, which has become increasingly public this season. He laughs at stories like this.
“Listen, I think anybody in this society, when they’re in a public position, are going to be subject to criticism,” Goodell stated. The notion that this was prearranged or contained a script is absurd. To be honest, it’s not even worth discussing.
“We see two individuals who are clearly happy and enjoying one other’s company. I think that’s fantastic and I hope the best for them. They’re both really nice individuals. It’s fantastic that they have a bond and are both somewhat active in football. That’s something we appreciate.”
