Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs revealed that the NFL has instructed players to avoid wearing green during their Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil.
Speaking on the Green Light podcast with Chris Long, Jacobs mentioned concerns linked to local gang affiliations with certain colors.
“They were quite clear that in the part of Brazil we’re visiting, green is not advisable due to gang-related issues,” Jacobs explained.
The NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil is set to take place at Corinthians Arena, the home of the SC Corinthians soccer club.
Jacobs added that the league’s guidance was to pack neutral colors like black and white to prevent any potential issues. This precaution relates to an “informal ban” at Corinthians Arena on wearing green, a policy stemming from the club’s intense rivalry with Palmeiras, who wear green. This rivalry is so intense that in 2021, Corinthians fined a player for sporting green cleats, as reported by Reuters.
While international teams have previously worn green accents at the stadium, the NFL seems to be taking extra precautions. Jacobs expressed some disappointment about the restrictions, indicating that the heightened security measures, including potentially using armored vehicles, have dampened his enthusiasm for what he initially thought would be an exciting overseas debut. “I was really looking forward to this being a fun week, but with all these precautions, it feels a bit too controlled,” he lamented.
Jacobs is entering this season with the Packers after a successful five-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, highlighted by leading the NFL in rushing yards during his 2022 All-Pro season.
