As the Green Bay Packers prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena, the team faces unprecedented security concerns. Following recommendations from local Brazilian officials, the Packers will wear bulletproof vests underneath their pads and uniforms. This extreme measure underscores the perilous environment the team will encounter in Brazil—a country plagued by escalating violence, political unrest, and a disturbing crackdown on free speech.
The Packers’ iconic green uniforms have become a point of contention. Local authorities have warned the team against wearing green due to its association with gang affiliations in Brazil. This situation not only puts the players in physical danger but also raises questions about the NFL’s decision to host a game in such a volatile environment.
In addition to the crime, Brazil’s political landscape has become increasingly hostile. The recent ban on Twitter (now X) is an escalation of the Brazilian government, under left-wing authoritarian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to suppress dissent. Lula-backed judge Alexandre de Moraes has used his power to silence critics, control political discourse, and dismantle free speech—a fundamental right in any democratic society.
The decision to proceed with the game has sparked outrage among some U.S. lawmakers. Wisconsin Republican Representative John Macco has voiced strong opposition, urging the Packers and the NFL to reconsider. “We have seen some very contentious elections there. We have seen a crackdown on the people of Brazil themselves. We have seen censorship that is unbelievable,” Macco stated. “The crime and the riots have escalated exponentially there now.”
Macco’s concerns are not just about the immediate safety of the players and fans but also about the moral implications of supporting a regime that actively suppresses fundamental freedoms. “The Packers and the NFL, who for the last four years have gone out of their way to espouse inclusion and the right to the individual, would now participate in a country that is literally partaking in all of that right now. Why they would want to do that strictly for financial needs is beyond me,” he argued in an article by WDEZ.
This Friday’s game could very well be the first—and last—NFL game in Brazil. The Packers and the NFL are taking a significant gamble, not just with the safety of their players but with their reputation as champions of individual rights and freedoms.