GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are traveling to Sao Paulo, Brazil to kick off the season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night Sep. 6. Packers defensive tackle, Kenny Clark, visited Brazil on vacation a couple years ago. He said staying hydrated all week and getting lots of rest will be key ahead of the big trip.
“Going up there and playing, just excited about playing against a really good football team,” said Clark. “These last couple of days, just getting a head start on the preparation for that.”
Packers wide receiver, Romeo Doubs, saw little action in the three preseason games the Packers played. He said although he is excited to play in Brazil, it’s a trip for business, not pleasure.
“To cut it short, it’s about that time,” said Doubs. “It just comes down to the players is how long we can stay consistent, which I know we will and how long we can lock in.”
Fellow wide receiver, Christian Watson, said this is a unique opportunity for him and his teammates, but airs on the side of caution.
“You get a little bit more extra time with it being a Friday game and after that, leading to next week,” said Watson. “We just got to make sure that we’re doing everything recovery wise to make sure that the trip itself doesn’t backfire on us at all.”
As for Clark, the veteran is entering his 9th year and knows a little about the long grind that is ahead of the Packers.
“It’s definitely ‘Wow’ that we are we going to Brazil for our first game,” said Clark. “I’m happy we get it out the way… I’d much rather go [to Brazil] the first game than go like week eight or something like that.”
This is the first NFL game that will be played in South America. Kickoff between the Packers and Eagles is 7:15 p.m. Fri, Sep. 6.