The vibrant streets of São Paulo, Brazil, are buzzing with an energy unlike anything seen before – NFL fever. Emma Wilson, a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, experienced this firsthand atop Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. As she unfurled her Packers flag for a photo, a local, beaming with enthusiasm and sporting a Packers shirt, approached her, exclaiming, “Ah, Packers!” in broken English. This heartwarming encounter underscored the global community uniting around the Packers and the NFL, a phenomenon now vividly on display in Brazil.
Emma and her mother, Judy Wilson, a lifelong Packers supporter from Green Bay, have journeyed to São Paulo to witness history: the Packers versus Philadelphia Eagles game, the NFL season opener, and the first-ever NFL game in South America. For fans like the Wilsons, this game is more than just football; it’s a cultural moment, a chance to see their beloved Packers uniforms on an international stage.
Men work to prepare the Soccer Neo Química Arena in Sao Paulo, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, as Brazil prepares to host its first ever NFL match on Sept. 6, 2024, between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The atmosphere in São Paulo is electric. Judy Wilson, a Packers fan “since birth,” as she proudly states, described their excitement as “all in” from the moment they heard about the Brazil game. Since arriving, they’ve immersed themselves in the local culture, but the shared passion for football, and particularly for the green and gold Packers uniforms, is a constant highlight.
“It’s been really, really fun to see different Packers fans and Eagles fans kind of all over and cheering, wearing shirts and doing some gentle trash-talking back and forth,” Emma noted. “So it’s been a really nice atmosphere.” The sight of Packers jerseys amidst the Brazilian backdrop is a testament to the team’s global appeal and the unifying power of sports.
Emma (right) and Judy Wilson in Brazil.
This game marks a significant step in the NFL’s ongoing international expansion. While NFL teams have recently played in Germany, Mexico, and London, bringing the game to Brazil, a nation with a burgeoning NFL fanbase, is a strategic move to further cultivate global interest. For fans in Brazil, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of NFL football firsthand, witnessing the iconic Packers uniforms and game-day atmosphere up close.
Casey Scott, a lifelong Packers fan from Kentucky who is also attending the game, emphasizes the opportunity for the NFL to “take the NFL global, to sort of harvest some of that market share.” Hosting a game in a city of over 11 million people like São Paulo provides unparalleled visibility and the chance to convert new fans to the sport and the Packers’ brand.
The game is being held at Corinthians Arena, a stadium typically echoing with the cheers of Brazilian soccer fans. However, on this Friday, it will transform into a sea of green and gold as “cheeseheads” from around the world converge, proudly displaying their Packers colors and uniforms. With a capacity of around 48,000, Corinthians Arena promises an intimate yet vibrant setting for this historic clash.
Men work to prepare the Soccer Neo Química Arena in Sao Paulo, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, as Brazil prepares to host its first ever NFL match on Sept. 6, 2024, between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
This is only the second time the Packers have played a regular season international game, following their 2022 game in London. Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy stated the team is “excited to play in front of our devoted fans in Brazil and help build upon the international popularity of the NFL and the Packers.” He highlighted the positive experience from their London game and the organization’s commitment to global growth.
Aaron Popkey, a Packers spokesperson, revealed that Brazil already boasts over 30 million NFL fans, making it a prime target for expansion. This game is a strategic effort to “increase that popularity” through heightened media coverage and fan engagement within Brazil. The visual spectacle of Packers uniforms in Brazil itself generates buzz and excitement, amplifying the NFL’s presence.
Green Bay Packers safety Darnell Savage does a Lambeau leap.
Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur expressed the team’s enthusiasm for the unique opportunity, stating, “I think our guys are truly excited… to go out there and compete in front of the world.” The chance to showcase their skills, and the iconic Packers uniforms, to a new international audience is a motivating factor for the team.
Emma Wilson believes the game is also sparking interest in Brazilians to visit Green Bay and experience a game at Lambeau Field. “Especially here (São Paulo) and London, too — we’re in the biggest cities in the world and everyone is just dying to get to our little Green Bay,” she observed. “It’s just really sweet and fun.” The allure of Lambeau Field, the historic home of the Packers, is enhanced by these international encounters.
Packers fans wear player jerseys as they sit in Lambeau Field.
Packers Aim for Continued Success in Brazil Game
Fresh off a promising 2023-24 season, which saw them reach the playoffs under quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers are looking to build momentum in this historic Brazil game. Jordan Love, now one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, leads a young and talented team with high expectations.
Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV believes in Love’s continued development and the team’s potential. “You don’t pay a guy for what he’s done, you pay him for what you expect him to do, and the Packers clearly expect him to be a top echelon quarterback going forward in the next four, or five years,” Nagler stated. As the Packers take the field in their classic green and gold uniforms in São Paulo, they carry the hopes of a global fanbase eager to witness the start of a potentially magical season.
