NFL intends to proceed with Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil, despite field concerns

When it comes to the NFL’s obsession with expanding pro football’s footprint, nothing will get in the way.

Concerns exist regarding the quality of the playing surface in Rio de Janeiro for next Sunday’s game between the Ravens and Cowboys. The league, however, is undeterred.

Via Mark Maske of Front Office Sports, a league spokesperson said Sunday that (quoting Maske not the spokesperson) “the league is looking forward to the game in Rio and, as with all international games, it has a plan in place to ensure a high-quality playing surface.”

Separately, the NFL Players Association told Maske that it’s aware of the situation, and that it has been in touch with the league office about it.

Eight years ago, the NFL moved a Chiefs-Rams game from Mexico City to L.A. due to field concerns. However, the league has seemingly adopted a “damn the torpedoes” approach wen it comes to globalizing the game — and it doesn’t seem to be inclined to let something like a less-than-ideal field get in the way.