Not Our Issue": Roger Goodell Claps Back Over Safety Concerns as NFL Commissioner Tears Down Soccer Comparisons

Roger Goodell pushed back on complaints about the Rio de Janeiro field ahead of the Dallas Cowboys’ matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil, the NFL’s first game in the country. In comments to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Goodell said the criticism “was for the soccer players,” noting soccer and football have different standards—stability and proper footing matter for the NFL, not just how smoothly the ball rolls. The league took over stadium operations nearly a week before kickoff and began field preparation Monday, including shipping an NFL tarp to protect the grass. Players had already criticized the pitch after a Sept. 17 Flamengo match.