UFC’s Gilbert Burns
Downplays NFLer’s Brazil Concerns
… ‘It’s Not That Crazy’
TMZSports.com
NFLers wringing their hands over Friday night’s game in Brazil need to relax … ’cause Gilbert Burns — a UFC superstar who’s from Rio De Janeiro — tells TMZ Sports the athletes are going to be just fine in his native land.
The issue has become quite the talking point ever since the NFL announced the Eagles would take on the Packers in a São Paulo season-opening showdown — especially after Philadelphia corner Darius Slay blasted league officials this week for planning the contest in a place with a reported high crime rate.
Big Play Slay
But, when we spoke to Burns about what the guys can expect when they finally touch down in South America — he said it straight up will NOT be “that crazy.”
He explained that like a lot of American cities — it has its bad areas … but for the most part, it’s “beautiful.”
In fact, he encouraged the players to spend their free time touring the town.
“Those guys — all the football players — they look like Brazilians a little bit,” the 38-year-old Brazilian fighter 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.”
HORÁRIO DEFINIDO. 🔥 Packers e Eagles frente a frente no NFL São Paulo Game na sexta-feira, 6 de setembro, às 21:15! 🇧🇷🏈
THE TIME IS SET. 🔥 Packers and Eagles will matchup in NFL São Paulo Game on a Friday, Sept. 6th, at 8:15pm ET! 🇧🇷🏈@packers | @Eagles | @NFL pic.twitter.com/dMTvcRB2XZ
— NFL Brasil (@NFLBrasil) May 15, 2024
@NFLBrasil
According to Slay — who ended up backing off his Brazil comments in a post on X on Wednesday — the NFL has advised players to stay in their hotels during the trip. But Burns says the UFC has sent similar memos when its athletes have fought in Brazil, and he’s said the ones who’ve ignored it haven’t regretted it.
As for the notion that wearing the color green might cause problems … Burns says he’s never heard of anything like that.
“It’s very nice,” he said.
TMZSports.com
Burns will fight this weekend in Nevada against Sean Brady and he’s expecting a good show — but if he wasn’t slated to be in the Octagon … he told us he’d be right there in São Paulo catching all the action.
“It’s going to be big,” he said of the game. “It’s going to be bigger than people think.”
TMZSports.com
UFC’s Gilbert Burns Downplays NFLer’s Brazil Concerns… ‘It’s Not That Crazy’
Details on NFL Game in Brazil
NFLers are expressing concerns over the upcoming game in Brazil, but Gilbert Burns from Rio de Janeiro believes they will be safe.
NFL Announcement Sparks Controversy
The controversy arose after the announcement that the Eagles would play the Packers in São Paulo, with concerns raised about the city’s crime rate.
Burns’ Reassurance
UFC superstar Gilbert Burns reassures that Brazil is not as dangerous as perceived, encouraging players to enjoy their time in the beautiful country.
Advice for Players
Burns suggests that players explore the town in their free time and dismisses the idea that wearing green could lead to issues.
Excitement for the Game
Despite his upcoming fight in Nevada, Burns expresses his anticipation for the NFL game in São Paulo, predicting a great event.
Safety Precautions
While the NFL advises players to stay in their hotels, Burns recalls UFC athletes who ignored similar memos without regrets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gilbert Burns’ perspective on the NFL game in Brazil offers a reassuring outlook, emphasizing the enjoyment and safety of the players during their time in the country.
FAQs
Are there real safety concerns for NFL players in Brazil?
Gilbert Burns believes that the concerns are exaggerated and that players will be safe in Brazil.
Should players follow the NFL’s advice to stay in their hotels?
While the advice is given, Burns suggests that players can explore the city with caution.
Credit: yogossip.com
