It’s sounding like the Green Bay Packers will be opening their season abroad next year.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, it’s become increasingly likely that the Pack will venture to one of South America’s most iconic countries in Week 1.
“Based on Packers president Mark Murphy’s comments this morning, it sounds like they’re preparing to open the season in Brazil against the Eagles,” Demovsky reported. “Speaking before the annual Tailgate Tour departed, Murphy said: ‘We’re either the first- or second-most popular team in Brazil.'”
The Packers are said to be expecting an official announcement from the league “any day now.” With Murphy adding, “Also, this is very important for the league. … If we’re chosen, we’ll gladly go.”
The NFL has put a big emphasis on making American football a global sport over the past 10 years or so.
Back in 2007 the league played its first International Series game at Wembley Stadium in London between the Dolphins and the Giants. And in the half-decade to follow, the NFL began extending its reach with multiple games in the UK.
Now football games have played in Mexico and Germany as well with the NFL eyeing the prospect of placing a permanent team outside of the U.S. It makes you wonder if we’ll ever see a return of NFL Europe.