The National Football League launched the official international series in 2007, and it’s continued to grow over the years. At the start of this season, the NFL will play its first international regular-season game opener as Sydney, Australia, will host the San Francisco 49ers vs. the Los Angeles Rams. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had his own opinions on the league’s new agenda, as he doesn’t think his team benefits from opening the season in Australia.
“I was so fired up. That was our goal, to go 19 hours away to play a game,” Shanahan said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. “I think we’re going back in time or into the future. I think we gain a day or lose a day — I’m not sure which one yet.”
He added, “But it is what it is. We’ll deal with it. I think there’s eight international games. We got two of them, so I’m fired up about that.”
Shanahan revisited the matter after Thursday night’s preseason game vs the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I wish we played them here, for what we usually look at as a home game, but we’ll see how it is in Australia, we’ll play the Rams wherever. Going there, it is what it is, but it’s going to be a fun atmosphere, and always when we play the Rams it’s a big, tough game, so looking forward to it,” Shanahan said.
Fans aren’t thrilled either
Fans disagree with the NFL’s new schedule updates and posted on social media with their grievances.
“Goodell and NFL= massively stupid Hey but player safety and stuff!” one fan posted on X.
“PLAYERS COACHES FANS ALL HATE THE OVERSEAS GAMES,” another fan wrote.
About Barry Hunter