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According to UFC fighter Gilbert Burns, NFL players concerned about their game in Brazil can relax. Burns, a Rio de Janeiro native, recently addressed concerns raised about the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers season opener in Sao Paulo, assuring that the players will have a safe and enjoyable experience.
The debate heated up after Eagles cornerback Darius Slay voiced his concerns over the game's location, citing Brazil's reported high crime rate.
Burns eases concerns
Despite the concerns, Burns stressed that the city isn't as dangerous as some may think. While there are certain areas to avoid, he explained, Sao Paulo, like many major cities, has beautiful spots that players can enjoy. Burns encouraged them to explore the city and take advantage of the opportunity.
Slay, who initially spoke out about the game, later softened his stance in a post on social media, noting that the NFL had recommended players stay in their hotels.
Burns pointed out that similar advice has been given to UFC fighters competing in Brazil, but many who ignored the warnings found exploring the city to be a positive experience.
Regarding concerns over specific colors, such as wearing green, Burns dismissed the idea as unfounded and assured the players that there's no reason to worry.
"Those guys -- all the football players -- they look like Brazilians a little bit," Burns said. "They're big, they're strong. So they're not going to have any problems there. And they're going to have a lot of fun."