Why Darius Slay Is Not A ‘Large Fan’ Of Worldwide Video games

The NFL is pushing more durable than ever to broaden its world footprint, ramping up worldwide video games with the long-term purpose of each crew taking part in overseas every year. Whereas the league sees development and income, not everyone seems to be on board—particularly gamers whose routines are disrupted within the course of.

Darius Slay has performed in his justifiable share of worldwide video games, together with a visit to Brazil to open the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. You may rely him among the many gamers unenthused by the additional journey.

“I’m not likely an enormous fan of going out the nation an excessive amount of for soccer, however it’s all the time good to point out them American soccer,” Slay mentioned by way of Cassidy Wooden on X.

For those who’ve ever achieved worldwide journey earlier than, it may be fairly a hassle to work issues out forward of time. Is my passport updated? Who’s going to observe the canine or children? And for athletes on a condensed timeframe, how do they modify their our bodies to the jet lag in time to play 60 minutes of varsity-level soccer?

“Look, I’ve been within the league 13 years, I’ve not been enthusiastic about going to out-of-country video games,” Slay mentioned by way of The Richard Sherman Podcast. “I hate going out the nation for work. Lengthy flights, to start with, after which all the time the sleep be off.”

Slay defined later in that podcast how Mike Tomlin is adjusting issues this week to get the crew used to the 9:30 AM/ET sport on Sunday.

Some gamers have by no means left the nation, and these journeys would possibly sound like a great alternative to expertise one other tradition. But it surely’s strictly enterprise for the gamers. As soon as they arrive, it’s conferences, apply, the sport, after which one other lengthy flight dwelling.

The journey part of the worldwide video games is barely going to worsen because the league seeks to broaden to locations like Australia within the coming years.

You too can rely CB Brandin Echols among the many Steelers who usually are not excited for the sport in Eire.

“I’m simply preserving all of it about ball, for actual,” Echols mentioned by way of TribLive’s Chris Adamski on X. “I’m form of scared after I go to different international locations due to previous tales with different sports activities and other people, so I identical to to maintain all of it about ball.”

Anecdotally, a great portion of followers within the U.S. aren’t thrilled in regards to the rising worldwide schedule. And gamers don’t appear to adore it both. However the NFL is a enterprise, and increasing its world model is sweet for the underside line.