Why the 49ers Left Early for Australia

The NFL will play a historic game in Australia. The contest is scheduled for Friday, September 11, in Melbourne. The Los Angeles Rams are the designated home team. They intend to fly in just before the match and depart immediately after.

The San Francisco 49ers are taking a different route. They will travel to Australia nine days before the kickoff. This gives the team extra time to adjust to the long flight and the time zone change.

Coach Kyle Shanahan explained that the early departure follows scientific recommendations. He noted that a nineteen‑hour flight and a sixteen‑hour time difference require several days for the body to acclimate. He said he asked experts and players for their input before deciding.

Shanahan admitted he was initially hesitant about the plan. However, the players were confident, which helped him agree. He also voiced frustration about being selected for the game, citing concerns about player health and the challenges of travel.