The NFL is going global in a big way, and not everyone is thrilled about it. The Los Angeles Rams are set to kick off their 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, facing off against the San Francisco 49ers in the league's first-ever game Down Under. This historic matchup is part of a record-breaking international slate that includes nine games across England, France, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia—spanning four continents.

The Rams, who hold marketing rights in Australia and the Pacific region, are making a bold move into new territory. But as the league expands its footprint, concerns are mounting about the toll these marathon trips take on players. Long-haul flights to distant time zones aren't just inconvenient—they can disrupt sleep, recovery, and performance, adding to the physical grind of an already brutal sport.

NFL legend J.J. Watt didn't hold back when he spoke out against the league's international push on Wednesday. He was joined by veteran Kyle Van Noy, who pointed a finger at what he sees as the driving force behind the expansion: money. "It's all they care about in my opinion," Van Noy said, "because it's the biggest growth, which means money. YouTube, Amazon, and all the streaming services are global. They're going for it all, JJ! It'll be interesting seeing the game in the future where I'm sure teams will play multiple games..."

For players, the concerns are real—jet lag, disrupted routines, and increased injury risk from overtravel. But for the league, the message is clear: the international series is here to stay, and it's only getting bigger. As broadcasting rights become a global battleground, the NFL is betting that expansion pays off, even if it means players will have to pack their bags more often.

For fans, this means more football in more places—but it also raises questions about how far is too far when it comes to chasing the global game.