LeBron James and NFL fans were quick to voice their frustration over the poor field conditions during Friday’s regular-season opener between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, held at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. Throughout the game, both teams struggled to maintain their footing, with players slipping and falling at key moments, prompting an outcry from fans and athletes alike.
The game, which marked the first NFL regular-season contest played in South America, got off to a rough start in more ways than one. On the Eagles’ very first offensive play, star running back Saquon Barkley slipped on his initial carry, resulting in a five-yard loss. This set the tone for what would be a frustrating night for both teams, as players continued to battle the treacherous field conditions.
The slipping incidents piled up as the game progressed. Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks fell while running what could have been a long gain, and later, Christian Watson lost his footing in the end zone on what could have been a potential touchdown catch. These missteps highlighted the impact the field had on the game, drawing widespread criticism from fans, players, and even NBA stars.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James didn’t hesitate to share his reaction on social media. “Man, this field sucks!!! GB vs PHI,” the 39-year-old wrote on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a shaking head emoji. As a global sports icon, LeBron’s remarks quickly caught attention, but he wasn’t alone in his criticism. Fans joined in, slamming the NFL for allowing the game to take place under such conditions.
“The field conditions are seriously a disgrace. Dangerous. Really terrible job by the NFL,” one fan commented on social media. Another fan added, “The NFL should be embarrassed to have agreed to play football in Brazil when these are the field conditions.”
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NBA players also chimed in on the situation. New York Knicks guard Josh Hart expressed his disappointment with the NFL’s decision to proceed with the game, stating, “Yea NFL don’t care with this field.”
The subpar conditions were so noticeable that even the commentators addressed it during the broadcast. After Wicks slipped and dropped a pass in the second quarter, Peacock TV commentator Noah Eagle quipped, “Whichever team can literally, not metaphorically, find its footing first is going to find the advantage in this game.” His comment underscored how the slipping issue had become a key factor in the matchup. Eagle’s father, legendary broadcaster Ian Eagle, also shared similar sentiments, noting how unusual the field conditions were for such a high-profile game.
By halftime, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the slipping problem in a sideline interview, saying, “Do whatever you gotta do, change cleats, but it has been a problem for sure.” His remarks echoed the frustration of players who had been forced to adapt to the field throughout the first half.
Despite the challenges, the game still provided plenty of excitement. The Eagles and Packers combined for 36 points in the first half alone, with Saquon Barkley scoring two touchdowns for Philadelphia and Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed matching him with two scores of his own. However, the slipping issues remained a constant narrative throughout the game, overshadowing much of the action.
Friday’s matchup was historic for several reasons. Not only was it the first NFL regular-season game ever played in South America, but it also marked the first time in 54 years that the league had scheduled a Week 1 game on a Friday. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on the excitement of the milestone, much of the attention was diverted to the field conditions.
As the NFL continues its global expansion, fans and players alike hope the league will take more care in ensuring that international games are played under safer, more suitable conditions.
