Story perspectives

NFL Reinforces Maracanã Turf for Cowboys-Ravens After Rain

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 2:40 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

JC Tretter Reinforces Field

NFLPA executive director JC Tretter announced the league and union are reinforcing the Maracanã field before the Cowboys-Ravens game.
Turf experts described the surface as loose and patchy, recommending reinforced stitching for better traction.
A GrassMaster Stitch Machine inserted synthetic fibers into the grass, increasing resistance to the rain-softened ground.
NFL field director Nick Pappas said a tarp and additional plans will mitigate the six-week record rainfall.

Summary

NFL Targets Global Growth

NFL plans to raise international games from ten to sixteen each season.
Expanding to sixteen games would require new negotiations with the NFL Players Association beyond the current collective bargaining agreement.
League owners anticipate an 18-game regular season, which could trigger a lockout if players reject the terms.
Players’ Association executive director Tretter warned field-quality concerns could force the league to reconsider its international-expansion strategy.

History

Historical Context

In October 2007 the NFL held its first regular-season International Series game, the New York Giants beating the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in London. The debut followed the 2005 end of the American Bowl and the 2007 shutdown of NFL Europe, after owners approved two international games per season. Today the league’s stadium-upgrade focus shapes talks on Maracanã turf and future overseas fixtures.

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JC Tretter Reinforces Field

NFLPA executive director JC Tretter announced the league and union are reinforcing the Maracanã field before the Cowboys-Ravens game.
Turf experts described the surface as loose and patchy, recommending reinforced stitching for better traction.
A GrassMaster Stitch Machine inserted synthetic fibers into the grass, increasing resistance to the rain-softened ground.
NFL field director Nick Pappas said a tarp and additional plans will mitigate the six-week record rainfall.

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