"Why is the NFL Denying Packers RB Josh Jacobs' Claim about Wearing Green in Brazil Game?"

A peculiar piece of information began circulating on Thursday, originating from Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs. During his appearance on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast, Jacobs was questioned about his anticipation for the Packers' upcoming season-opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil. His response did not align with the expectations of the NFL and Brazil.

The two-time Pro Bowler, who inked a lucrative four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers in March, asserted that he had been informed that wearing green would be prohibited and that the locale was deemed unsafe enough to necessitate players avoiding the streets unless they were in armored vehicles.

Jacobs comment:

"They said that the part of Brazil that we're going to, you can't even wear green at ... I guess something to do with the gangs and stuff. They said 'We're not going to Rio. They told us it's one of those places where they probably won't even let us leave ... They probably gonna have, like, armored vehicles following us. I said 'Bro, why are we out here? Why are we here?' They were like 'Just pack black and white colors,' because they were like 'When you come here, we don't want no mishaps.'"

It would be quite peculiar to schedule a game between the Packers and Eagles in a location where wearing green is unsafe, considering that both teams prominently feature green as their primary color. The argument put forth by Jacobs primarily revolves around soccer rivalries, as the game is set to take place at Arena Corinthians, the home stadium of Corinthians, a team known for wearing red, while their arch-rivals Palmeiras don green attire. The animosity between the two fan bases has a long history, often resulting in violent clashes.

However, Michael Signora, the spokesperson for the NFL, swiftly responded to Jacobs' claims the following day. In an interview with Jeff Neiburg of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Signora made a concerted effort to refute Jacobs' assertions. According to Signora, the stadium will be filled with fans proudly donning the green colors of both the Eagles and the Packers. He categorically dismissed Jacobs' claims as "not true" and emphasized that any discussion regarding the color green is solely related to soccer and holds no relevance to the NFL game.

According to a group of Eagles fans from Brazil on X, the misinformation could have stemmed from a humorous comment made by a representative from Corinthians when the match was first revealed, suggesting in jest that the teams should steer clear of wearing green. The Inquirer also highlights that São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes made a comparable joke regarding the jersey colors during a recent press briefing.

Jacobs seems to have received the memo, as he shared on his Instagram story last Friday, "Oops, I was given wrong information. Apologies Brazil, I'll see you soon."