NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Praises Australia Game Despite Coaches' Concerns

The NFL's recent game in Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, has drawn mixed reactions from coaches and the league's commissioner. The Rams lost the match 27-7 in Melbourne this past September, and both head coaches, Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, expressed their displeasure about the lengthy travel required for the game.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, however, characterized the event as a tremendous success, noting the impressive turnout of fans. He highlighted the passion for sports in Australia, stating that the attendance of 100,000 people for a Friday morning game was remarkable. Goodell indicated that the NFL aims to have each team play at least one game overseas each season, suggesting that Australia could host regular-season games annually.

While the 49ers arrived a week early to acclimate to the time difference, McVay's team arrived just 28 hours before kickoff. Following the game, McVay humorously acknowledged his travel planning mistakes but reiterated his reluctance to play in Australia again.