Gilbert Burns Says Brazil Is Safe for NFL Players
UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns responded to safety concerns raised by some Philadelphia Eagles players before the NFL’s first regular-season game in Brazil. The Eagles and Green Bay Packers played in São Paulo on September 6, 2024—not Rio de Janeiro.
What Burns said
Burns, who is from Rio de Janeiro, told TMZ Sports that the concerns were overstated and that the visiting players would be fine. His comments were a local athlete’s perspective, not an official security assessment. TMZ’s interview records his remarks.
The game and location
The Packers–Eagles game took place at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo. Some players had raised concerns, and local authorities increased security around team travel and venues. The story should not conflate São Paulo with Burns’s hometown of Rio. Reuters reported the concerns and preparations.
Perspective, not guarantee
Burns could speak to his experience in Brazil, but no individual can guarantee another person’s safety. The balanced account records both the players’ concerns and the security steps taken, without labeling the city a war zone or dismissing all risk.
Sources
Tags: MMA
