The NFL made headlines on Monday with the announcement that the Philadelphia Eagles will participate in the historic first-ever game in Brazil as part of the 2024 International Series.
This landmark event marks a significant expansion of the NFL’s global footprint, showcasing the league’s ongoing commitment to international growth and engagement.
The Eagles will serve as the designated home team for the inaugural Week 1 matchup, scheduled to take place on a Friday—a departure from the traditional Sunday slate.
This scheduling rarity harks back to a bygone era, as the last Friday Week 1 game occurred on September 18, 1970, between the Cardinals and Rams.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the visiting opponents on the Eagles’ schedule for the upcoming season, the specific matchup for the Brazil game will remain under wraps until closer to the schedule release in May.
Despite speculation that the Steelers could be the team making the journey to South America, nothing is set in stone, and the official announcement will shed light on the exciting international showdown.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming game, highlighting its significance in showcasing the league’s global ambitions.
The decision to host the game on a Friday night adds a unique twist, further emphasizing the NFL’s commitment to innovation and growth on the international stage.
While some may question the potential excitement of a Kenny Pickett-Jalen Hurts matchup, the unpredictability of NFL matchups often leads to unexpected outcomes and thrilling moments on the field. As history has shown, anything can happen in the world of football.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this game marks a return to the international stage after their previous encounter at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2013, where they faced the Minnesota Vikings in a closely contested matchup.
As they prepare for their potential journey to Brazil, the Steelers will undoubtedly aim to make a statement and leave their mark on the global stage once again.