Léo Ortiz and Emerson Royal, athletes from Flamengo, visited the George Helal Training Center to watch the Dallas Cowboys practice, showcasing their passion for American football ahead of the NFL Rio Game.
Activity at the George Helal Training Center, known as Ninho do Urubu, took on a special flair this Friday, October 25th, with the presence of two illustrious spectators: Léo Ortiz and Emerson Royal. The Flamengo players, well-known for their love of American football, closely followed the Dallas Cowboys as they prepared for their highly anticipated matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, scheduled for this Sunday (27th) at 5:25 PM at the iconic Maracanã stadium.
The visit represented a remarkable intersection of two of the world’s biggest sports, highlighting the multifaceted interests of the athletes. Beyond immersing themselves in the world of the NFL, the presence of the Rubro-Negro stars reinforced Flamengo‘s capacity to host and support high-profile international events, expanding its influence well beyond the soccer pitch.
Passion for American Football at the Ninho
The Flamengo athletes’ day at the Ninho do Urubu began with a press conference held by Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer in the youth academy auditorium. Afterward, Ortiz and Royal headed to the field to observe the team’s training session, giving both players a first-hand look at how an NFL franchise prepares.
Ortiz and his prior NFL experience
Léo Ortiz‘s affinity for American football is nothing new. In 2025, the Flamengo center-back, a fervent New England Patriots fan, took an active role in the NFL Draft, where he announced the selection of defensive tackle Joshua Farmer. Thrilled by the opportunity, the Rubro-Negro number 3 shared his excitement:
“Today is my day to be a fan. Being with these guys, whom I follow closely and whose sport I love to watch the most, is just crazy. Even more so here at Flamengo.”
Royal and his growing enthusiasm for the sport
Full-back Emerson Royal, who had already shown curiosity about American football, used the visit to deepen his knowledge of the game. During the session, he and Ortiz discussed rules, tactics, and the rich history of the league and its teams. The experience only intensified Royal‘s interest, as he expressed his enthusiasm:
“The day was incredible! I was already interested, but now it’s caught my attention even more. I’m very excited for Sunday.”
Interaction with stars and dreams come true
After practice, the Flamengo players had the chance to interact directly with the Dallas Cowboys roster. A symbolic exchange of shirts took place, with the Flamengo jerseys swapped for official NFL gear. Autographs and conversations with stars like Von Miller, CeeDee Lamb, Trent Sieg, Bryan Anger, Brandon Aubrey, and Dak Prescott marked the occasion. Ortiz celebrated a dream come true:
“These are players I admire so much and love to watch. Everyone was very humble and kind. It was truly great; I lived out a dream. Now I’m going to put these jerseys on my wall at home. My collection is growing.”
Flamengo beyond the pitch: Medical support for the NFL
Flamengo‘s collaboration with the NFL‘s operations in Brazil also extended behind the scenes. Cardiologist Luiz Macedo and orthopedic surgeon Fernando Sassaki, both from the club’s professional medical department, were temporarily hired by the league. Luiz Macedo took on the role of coordinator for the NFL medical team in the country, while Fernando Sassaki served as the physician responsible for the Dallas Cowboys. This measure was essential to ensure the necessary support for the teams, given that franchise medical staff are not licensed to practice in Brazilian territory.
The presence of Léo Ortiz and Emerson Royal at the Dallas Cowboys practice at Ninho do Urubu highlights Flamengo‘s ability to transcend the boundaries of soccer, bridging different sports cultures and fostering valuable exchanges. The participation not only provided memorable moments for the athletes but also solidified the club’s role as a strategic host for major events. The collaboration, including the specialized medical support, reinforces Flamengo‘s infrastructure and relevance on the global sports stage, paving the way for future partnerships and consolidating the success of the NFL Rio Game.
