The NFL, particularly over the last few seasons, has made a concerted effort to establish the sport as a global brand. From the international pathway program to more games taking place on foreign soil, the decisions have been undeniable.
This year, they are taking it to the next level when the San Francisco 49ers open their season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne in the first NFL game played in Australia. But an uninterested Nick Bosa has led many fans to believe that the decision isn’t wholly popular.
Nick Bosa Proves Disinterest in the Australia Game
Given the huge time difference and jet lag that would come from such a journey, the 49ers are pulling out all the stops. Arriving on Friday, they will have nearly a week to get acclimated to their surroundings.
But for Bosa, the trip is all about the work. Speaking to reporters, the former Defensive Player of the Year did not appear too thrilled about going to Australia for the game. Instead, he cut a very deadpan figure about the entire ordeal.
“I don’t know much about Australia, to be honest,” Bosa said. “I heard they have good coffee, so I’ll try and take advantage of that, have some good coffee. I think there’s some nature exhibits.”
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It didn’t take long for fans to take notice.
One fan announced, “None of the players or coaches like it. I don’t either.”
It wasn’t a singular opinion, as another fan added, “Sounds as excited as anyone who has to go to Melbourne on a work trip.”
Sounds as excited as anyone who has to go to Melbourne on a work trip. https://t.co/SLmExmuNtW
— 🍻 Dave (@davebeerflog) September 2, 2026
However, others believed that the decision to choose two teams from the west of the country was made on purpose:
“It’s abuse, schlepping the teams to Australia. Greed will do that. Interesting that they’re both West Coast teams, because to fly from the East Coast would add another 6 hours flight time.”
It’s abuse, schlepping the teams to Australia. Greed will do that. Interesting that they’re both West Coast teams, because to fly from the East Coast would add another 6 hours flight time.
— Brenda Factor (@brendafactor2) September 3, 2026
The disinterest from Bosa was pretty palpable. But one fan wasn’t willing to criticize the superstar defensive end.
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Instead, he sympathized, “I can’t even blame him, I’d be pretty pissed off if I had to travel like 16 hours to play one single football game and then fly 16 hours back lmaoo.”
i can’t even blame him i’d be pretty pissed off if i had to travel like 16 hours to play one single football game and then fly 16 hours back lmaoo https://t.co/XBHn4QAtwj
— ash 🦕 (@lovronolastname) September 3, 2026
While one fan claimed, “Yeah, none of these guys are trying to go out of the country for a divisional game that should be at home.
Another one believed that the response from Bosa was atypical of the 49ers’ superstar: “Average Nick Bosa interview. Guy wants to sack the quarterback, and that’s it.”
Average nick bosa interview
Guy wants to sack the quarterback and that’s it https://t.co/p8I8nSW3ek
— degen nicko (@freedegennicko) September 3, 2026
It remains to be seen whether the apparent pushback from players participating in the game will force the NFL to change tactics.
But given their goals of making the game global, further bolstered by flag football becoming part of the Olympics, it seems unlikely that they will slow their push worldwide.
As for the matchup between the Rams and the 49ers, it remains to be seen how Los Angeles’ revamped defense will look against the San Francisco offense, which ranked fourth on PFN’s Offense Impact Metric last season.
