The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are set to clash in a groundbreaking 2024 season opener in Brazil, marking the NFL’s debut in South America. However, fans might notice a significant uniform deviation: despite green being a signature color for both teams, it will be notably absent for this Friday’s game in São Paolo. This unusual restriction is all tied to a deep-seated rivalry in Brazilian soccer, specifically involving Corinthians, a major São Paulo club.
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The reason behind this color ban is rooted in the intense dislike Corinthians holds for green, a color strongly associated with their fierce rival, Palmeiras. This animosity is so profound that it influences even NFL games played in their city. The aversion to green within Corinthians is legendary, with stories of club executives attempting to paint the field black years ago to distance themselves from the color. Players risk fines for wearing green apparel, and even sponsors must be mindful of this color taboo when associating with the club, which boasts over 35 million fans.
This extreme measure aims to shield Corinthians supporters from any visual connection to Palmeiras, a rivalry that has burned for over a century.
Corinthians Influence on NFL Colors
For this historic NFL game, the Philadelphia Eagles are designated as the home team and are making a symbolic gesture to appease local sentiments. They will don Corinthians’ colors – black helmets, white jerseys, and black pants. A Corinthians official confirmed to The Associated Press that this decision followed a request from the club president, who stipulated that green was only permissible for visiting teams. This information was shared anonymously as the official was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
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Why Can’t the Packers Wear Green? Exploring the Jersey Color Choice
The Green Bay Packers, while restricted from their traditional green, will still sport their iconic white and yellow, colors that coincidentally align with the Brazilian national flag. This color scheme offers a nod to the host country while navigating the green uniform ban.
However, the Packers inadvertently stirred controversy when they gifted Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza a green Packers jersey emblazoned with the Brazilian club’s name. This well-intentioned gesture backfired, sparking irritation among Corinthians fans on social media, highlighting the sensitivity around the color green.
Interestingly, Palmeiras supporters, many of whom are expected to attend the game among the 42,000 spectators, have announced on social media their intention to wear green in defiance of the ban and in support of the Packers, appreciating the Eagles’ divergence from their usual colors.
“Corinthians and Palmeiras share roots. Their rivalry predates their first match in 1917 when Palmeiras was still known as Palestra Italia,” explains Celso Unzelte, a renowned soccer historian and author. “Corinthians emerged in 1910, and Palestra Italia followed four years later, formed by Italian-origin players from various São Paulo clubs. Bianco Gambini, a former Corinthians star, became a Palmeiras icon, intensifying the rivalry.”
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The rivalry escalated after Gambini’s move and reached a tragic point in 1969 when a car accident claimed the lives of two young Corinthians players, Lidu and Eduardo. During the Sao Paulo state championship, Corinthians sought to replace these players, and while most clubs agreed, one club refused.
“I avoid mentioning that club’s name and have shunned green since that day,” recounts 75-year-old Renato Messina, a journalist and former Corinthians academy player. “My father supported that other club, and I would distance myself whenever he wore their shirt. Their unsportsmanlike conduct left a lasting impression. I’m not a football fanatic, but I’ll watch to root against anyone in green.”
The Enduring Ban on Green at Corinthians Games
Since the 1970s, green has been a prohibited color at Corinthians games. Fans wearing green risked chants of “take it off.” This tradition is deeply ingrained in the club’s culture. Today, only visiting players and fans are seen wearing green at the NeoQuimica Arena.
The rejection of green has intensified recently as Corinthians faces financial challenges while Palmeiras enjoys significant victories and major titles. Even during times when their fortunes were reversed a decade prior, the no-green policy remained firm.
In 2012, after Palmeiras’ relegation, Corinthians, then South American champions, were set to play Chelsea in the Club World Cup final in Japan. Corinthians declined the green warmup vests offered by organizers and instead used red vests originally intended for Chelsea, ultimately winning 1-0.
Claudia Luane, a devoted Corinthians supporter who traveled to Tokyo for that final, has been a regular attendee for two decades. She avoids green and always cheers against Palmeiras in all sports. However, she makes an exception for the Green Bay Packers, recognizing their unique community-owned status.
“I admire the Packers’ community ownership. They represent the people, much like Corinthians. That shared value transcends jersey colors,” Luane explained, dressed in black before a Corinthians game. “We’re battling relegation while our rival vies for the title again. But look at this packed stadium – the Packers have that same passionate fan base.”
Even if the Packers’ signature color is green, their spirit resonates with Corinthians fans.
How to Watch Packers vs. Eagles in Brazil
This historic Week 1 game between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in São Paolo, Brazil, will be the first-ever NFL regular-season game in South America.
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Both NFC teams had contrasting 2023 seasons. The Packers surged late, making the playoffs as the No. 7 seed, with Jordan Love leading them to an upset against the Dallas Cowboys before a close loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Eagles, after a strong 10-1 start, faltered, losing five of their last six games, culminating in a playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Entering the new season, both teams are seen as NFC contenders. Philadelphia has added notable players like Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff, while Green Bay acquired Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney.
Game Details:
- When: Friday, Sept. 6
- Kickoff Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Arena Corinthians, São Paolo, Brazil
- Home Team: Philadelphia Eagles (designated)
- TV Channel: Peacock (nationally exclusive), NBC10 (Philadelphia area), NBC26 (Green Bay area)
- Stream Live: Peacock
Will the Packers or Eagles start the season 1-0 after this international matchup? Tune in to find out.
