Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen expressed concerns about personal safety in São Paulo, Brazil, ahead of his team’s Thursday night NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Estádio do Morumbi. Allen revealed a team meeting focused heavily on security precautions adn potential risks for players venturing outside the team hotel.
“We had a meeting yesterday with a lot of ‘do not’ scenarios,” Allen stated. “My focus is simply to play the football game and return home. We aren’t there for sightseeing; this is a business trip centered around football.”
Allen specifically cited the potential for petty theft,even during routine activities. “even something as simple as walking down the street while holding your phone… it’s a bit unsettling,” he explained, indicating a heightened awareness of surroundings is necessary.
As a result of the security briefing, Allen intends to remain within the confines of the team’s hotel during his time in São Paulo. “After hearing everything,I’ll likely stay in my room,” he added.
The NFL has reported no incidents involving player safety during the league’s previous game held in São Paulo last year,a September 24,2023,contest between the Miami Dolphins and the philadelphia Eagles. Though,the league and teams routinely assess and adjust security protocols when traveling to international locations.
The Chargers’ trip marks the NFL’s second regular-season game in Brazil, part of a broader initiative to expand the league’s global footprint. The game is scheduled for an 8:15 PM EST kickoff on November 16, 2023, and will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
Security concerns in São Paulo, while not unique to NFL players, are a known issue for visitors. The city has a high rate of street crime, including pickpocketing and robberies, especially in tourist areas. The U.S. state Department currently advises travelers to Brazil to exercise increased caution due to crime.
