The Dallas Cowboys touched down in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, beginning a rare international stop for the NFL. While the city is famed for its beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue and vibrant culture, the team’s leadership made it clear that the trip is about football, not tourism.
Coaches set a disciplined tone
Second‑year offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who will coach his first game abroad, gathered the players early and emphasized that the trip feels like a business trip. “It’s a little bit different from other road games,” Schottenheimer said. “We were very up front with the guys early on. You’re not going to have the free time to do what you’d normally do.” He added that the squad is using the extra travel time to fine‑tune the game plan after a short week of preparation.
The Cowboys practiced at the training grounds of Flamengo, a prominent soccer club located about 26 miles west of Rio’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain. The site offered a remote, focused environment, and the players will also tour the historic Maracanã Stadium on Saturday.
Ravens also in Brazil, but with a different vibe
Opposing head coach Jesse Minter, a former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator, also arrived with his Baltimore squad. The Ravens used the facilities of Botafogo, another well‑known soccer club. Minter, who has prior experience in Brazil, noted that fans there tend to cheer for exciting plays regardless of which team makes them.
“They might not be necessarily cheering for one team or the other. They kind of get excited when both teams make plays,” Minter said.
Players embrace the “business‑trip” mindset
Quarterback Dak Prescott, playing his first international game, echoed the coaches’ sentiment. He described the trip as “strictly business” but admitted to enjoying a poolside hangout with teammates and sampling local steak at lunch.
“It is a place I want to return to as a tourist,” Prescott said, adding that he hopes to glimpse the Christ the Redeemer statue from the bus on game day. “What we are looking for is a win.” He also highlighted the advantage of having an extra day to rest and massage the game plan, saying the team is ready to be aggressive and force the Ravens onto the defensive.
Prescott emphasized that the trip offers a chance to inspire new fans. “To be here in Brazil where there’s a big fan group, big fan base and support, hopefully allows a lot of people to see me play and this team play for the first time in person,” he said.
International NFL schedule expands
This Sunday’s matchup will be one of a record nine international contests on the NFL’s 2026 schedule. The league has been staging games in Brazil since 2024, with previous contests held at São Paulo’s NeoQuimica Arena. Those earlier games sold out, and a limited number of tickets remain for the Cowboys‑Ravens showdown.
Both teams arrived after roughly ten‑hour flights, and they expect to be fully rested by Saturday morning. Schottenheimer noted, “We have a lot of time between now and kickoff,” underscoring the importance of preparation over leisure.
As the Cowboys and Ravens prepare to bring the sport to a new audience, the focus remains on disciplined practice, strategic planning, and delivering a competitive performance for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
