{
  "id": 10100957,
  "title": "NFL Facing Backlash for Cowboys-Ravens Field Conditions in Rio",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/nfl-facing-backlash-for-cowboys-ravens-field-conditions-in-rio",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T00:32:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/nfl-facing-backlash-for-cowboys-ravens-field-conditions-in-rio-12493538"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens may face a dilemma regarding their upcoming game at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro due to concerns about field conditions, according to NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter. In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Tretter expressed worries about the field requiring better traction and stability. The experts recommended reinforced stitching and equipment reinforcement to improve the surface's stability. Tretter emphasized that while the conditions might not pose significant injury risks, they could still impact player performance and the overall quality of the game. The field's poor state is attributed to recent heavy rainfall in Rio de Janeiro, which affects the all-grass surface. Although players may not directly challenge the NFL, this is the worst field condition they have seen before. The Cowboys-Ravens game is set to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.",
  "summary": "The NFL is facing backlash for the field conditions ahead of Dallas Cowboys-Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}