More

    “Kyle Shanahan’s job is to play”: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell claps back at 49ers HC not favoring Australian games

    Gossip
    Runfyers
    0

    The San Francisco 49ers will play against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Week 1 clash for the 2026 season. It will be the first time Australia will host an NFL game.

    However, 49er coach Kyle Shanahan said last month that he doesn’t see “much benefit” to playing in Australia.

    “I don’t see any pro,” Shanahan said. “It’s cool for the league to play globally. I think that’s awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there’s not much benefit to it.”

    NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who was in Melbourne this week, reacted to the 49ers coach’s remarks.

    Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

    “Coaches have a focus on winning. That’s their No. 1 job,” Goodell said. “And so Coach Shanahan is enthusiastic and a great football coach, but also someone who truly understands the importance of expanding our game globally. But his job is to win. His job is to play.”

    Apart from Shanahan, several 49ers players have complained about the 17-hour time difference between Melbourne and the West Coast. The 49ers will play the Rams on Thursday, September 10, at 5:30 p.m. PT, but the game will actually be played on Friday at 10:35 a.m. Australia time

    Also Read: San Francisco 49ers 2-round mock draft: Kyle Shanahan projected to land blue-chip LB after trading up with Dolphins in 2026 NFL draft

    Also Read: “I’m requesting them in Mexico”: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan claps back at Rams after Australia controversy

    Roger Goodell shares intent on creating “great experience” for first NFL game in Australia

    The NFL commissioner, who made the trip to Australia for the first time this week, shared that the league is focused on making it a great experience for their first ever game down under.

    “So, we’re going to make it a great experience for the team. That’s one of the things we focus on, everybody here and so many others have focused on: make it a great experience for everyone, the team included.

    “When they go back, they’ve got to make sure that they’re able to continue the competitiveness, because this game is real. This counts. And they’ll go on to Week 2 as soon as they leave here.”

    Roger Goodell also doubled down on the league’s plan of conducting more games in Australia, hailing it a “long-term” NFL investment.