Experts from the NFL and NFLPA recommended the field at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium needs to be reinforced to provide better stability for players.
Yahoo Sports · September 25, 2026
NFLPA director JC Tretter posted a lengthy statement on social media, including what has needed to be addressed with the grass playing surface in Rio de Janeiro leading up to kickoff on Sunday.
"The concern heading into this week was that the field would be loose, patchy, and lead to excessive slipping," Tretter wrote. "Those conditions are generally more of a playability and performance issue than a significant injury concern."
Tretter added that safety is the primary issue for players. But a surface that allows them to perform at their highest level, resulting in a well-played game, is also a major consideration.
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