Brazil is set to experience a surge of American football as part of the bicentennial celebration of U.S.-Brazil diplomatic relations. The U.S. Department of State has revealed that representatives from the National Football League (NFL) and USA Football will be visiting São Paulo this week to promote the sport to underprivileged youth.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled to culminate in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11. Earlier this week, the NFL declared that the Philadelphia Eagles would participate in Brazil's first-ever regular season game on Friday, Sept. 6. This event forms part of the league’s 2024 International Games series, which also includes games in London and Munich.
São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes lauded the decision to host a game during the opening week of the NFL's 2024 season. "The league's decision to play the game in the first week of the NFL 2024 season is a true testament to their confidence in our work as host city," said Nunes. "Having this historic spectacle on the eve of Independence Day and driving a great economic impact and job creation for São Paulo will spotlight our city as a globally relevant destination for world-class sport and entertainment events."
According to a media release by the State Department, Ashlea Klam from USA Football’s Women’s Flag Football National Team and former NFL linebacker Brennan Scarlett will be present in Brazil conducting football clinics and promoting the sport. Their visit aligns with Super Bowl LVIII celebrations and is part of an ongoing collaborative effort between NFL and DOS to engage youth worldwide. Scarlett, who heads Scarlett Creative Co., aims to foster collaboration between athletes and audiences. In 2021, the NFL established NFL Flag programs in Brazil through a partnership with Brazilian American Football Confederation (CBFA), aiming to develop youth participation in the sport.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed his enthusiasm about this landmark event taking place in South America. "This landmark first international game in South America demonstrates the ongoing expansion of our global footprint," Goodell said. "Playing on Friday night of Week 1 is a unique way to highlight our international growth and ambitions."
