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Source: NFL
Summary
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed concerns from San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan about playing in Australia in Week 1 of the 2026 season. Goodell said he will send Shanahan an app to help with jet lag and believes the game will be a great experience for everyone. The NFL plans to play more games in Australia, with Goodell stating it’s an investment in the market. Shanahan joked about playing a game 19 to 20 hours away and doesn’t see any benefit to it, but thinks it’s cool to see the NFL globally.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Shanahan’s concerns about jet lag are nothing new, but Goodell’s solution is a classic move. The app will probably be effective, but it’s not like it’s a new problem.
Goodell’s enthusiasm for playing in Australia is palpable, but it’s hard to blame Shanahan for not seeing the benefits. The 49ers will play in Melbourne, but will they be able to maintain their competitive edge?
Shanahan’s joke about playing a game 19 to 20 hours away is a reminder that coaches are human too. The NFL’s investment in Australia is looking more like a long-term commitment, but will it pay off?
This one felt recognizable early, with Goodell’s optimism clashing with Shanahan’s skepticism. The result wasn’t surprising by the end, but the journey will be interesting to watch.
Original Observation: The NFL’s push into international markets is often met with resistance from coaches who prioritize winning over novelty.
