Eagles players have been given strict safety guidelines, advising them to avoid carrying valuables on the streets of Brazil as they prepare for their 2024-25 season opener in São Paulo. The team has been briefed on a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” aimed at ensuring their safety during their stay in the South American country.
In a press conference ahead of the September 6th game, Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown shared insights into the team’s heightened security measures. “We had a meeting yesterday with a whole bunch of ‘Don’t Do’s,'” Brown explained. “I’m just trying to go down there, win a football game, and come back. We’re not down there to see the city; this is not a vacation, this is a football game. Simple things like just walking down the street with your phone in your hand… it’s kinda crazy.”
Brown emphasized that after hearing the safety briefings, he plans to limit his activities outside the team hotel. “After hearing all that stuff, I’m probably gonna be in my room,” he added, underscoring the team’s focus on staying safe while abroad.
The heightened precautions stem from the stark contrast in crime rates between Brazil and the United States. According to Numbeo, the world’s largest database of living conditions and quality of life, Brazil’s crime index is significantly higher at 65.07 compared to 42.24 in the U.S. The overall crime rate in a country is determined by dividing the total number of reported crimes by the population and multiplying by 100,000.
Numbeo’s data also highlights the differences in safety between the two countries. In the U.S., the safety rate for walking alone during daylight is 70.63, while in Brazil it drops to 50.57. Brazil also ranks higher for issues related to violent crimes like vandalism and theft, with a score of 71.13 compared to 57.81 in the U.S. Concerns about being mugged or robbed are also more pronounced in Brazil, where the worry index is 74.17 compared to 43.30 in the U.S.
Crime rates have risen in both countries over the past three years, but Brazil’s overall crime level remains notably higher at 75.70 compared to 55.11 in the U.S.
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The upcoming Eagles-Packers game will be the first NFL game ever held in Brazil, taking place at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, the country’s largest city. São Paulo, the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere and the seventh-largest in the world by population, has the sixth-highest crime index in Brazil at 70.3, according to Numbeo. Rio de Janeiro tops the list with a crime index of 77.5.
For comparison, Philadelphia’s crime index is 66.02, while New York City’s is 50.63.
Despite the concerns, there is significant excitement surrounding the Eagles’ prospects for the new season. However, the team will face a challenge in their season opener as they will be without veteran cornerback James Bradbury, who suffered a lower leg injury earlier this week.
As the Eagles prepare for their historic game in Brazil, the focus remains on both securing a victory and ensuring the safety of the players in a challenging environment.
