NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter expressed sharp frustration over the league's international scheduling choices, publicly criticizing the NFL for the poor grass conditions at Maracanã Stadium ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys matchup in Rio de Janeiro. He emphasized that players should never have to deal with unsafe or unstable turf.
As player safety continued to be a major concern leading up to the game, observers were shocked by the visual evidence of hasty repairs. A viral post shared by Jordan Schultz on X showcased the frantic efforts made to salvage the playing surface, highlighting the use of a giant stitching machine deployed to apply synthetic fibers for reinforcement. This was aimed at improving traction and overall safety on a surface that had been described as “legitimately awful.”
Here’s the machine being used in Brazil on the damaged grass in preparation for the #Cowboys vs #Ravens game.
The hope is that the playing surface will be improved and safer as a result.
(📹 @maracana) pic.twitter.com/z8sOHmb8lf https://t.co/vP44bgB9C6
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 27, 2026
Despite the alarming visual concerns and significant pushback from the players' union, the game ultimately received clearance to proceed. NFL Field Director Nick Pappas officially approved the Week 3 international showdown after the Maracanã playing surface passed mandatory testing conducted by independent specialists, ensuring that both the 1-1 Ravens and Cowboys could focus fully on securing a crucial victory.