NFL legend wants 49ers to return to the place he made history: “You could feel the energy, the excitement”

Bryant Young is one of the most qualified voices to talk about the NFL’s international games. Since being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1994, he played in three American Bowls – two in Japan and one in Canada. He was also part of the first regular-season game held abroad, when San Francisco faced the Arizona Cardinals at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca in 2005.

A Hall of Fame member since 2022, Young spoke exclusively to AS USA and said that if the 49ers had the chance to play internationally in the near future, he would want it to be in Mexico City.

“The UK has been successful for us and recently there was a game in Brazil, Kansas City against the Chargers,” Young explained. “I think if we had our way, we’d love to stay right here in Mexico City.”

The Super Bowl XXIX champion also noted the contrast among fans at the NFL’s international games. What excites him most about returning to Mexico, he said, is the passion and energy of the local crowd.

“I remember playing in Japan and the fans weren’t as numerous as what I recall here in Mexico,” Young said. “The game has grown so much – the way we interact and the way we do things. I remember coming to Mexico in 2005 for the first time. You could feel the energy, the excitement of the Mexican fans.”

The NFL has repeatedly stated that football will return to Mexico once renovations at Estadio Azteca for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are complete. With the World Cup set for next summer, it’s already certain there will be a game in the fall.

Bryant Young recalls the Mexico Game in 2005

Young is a historic figure not only for the Niners but for the NFL itself. In addition to his Super Bowl ring and Hall of Fame induction, he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-1990s Team. His involvement in Mexico also made him part of the first touchdown scored outside the United States – and it came on defense. Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Young said he enjoyed playing at Estadio Azteca, even though San Francisco lost the game.

“Yes, I enjoyed it (playing in Mexico). We started on defense and in the first two series we scored twice,” Young recalled. “That helped us set up some things on offense that didn’t go well. It was unfortunate that we lost the game. I remember making good plays, but it wasn’t enough.”

The 49ers’ first touchdown came after Young sacked Josh McCown and forced a fumble. Brandon Moore recovered the ball but lost it just before crossing into the end zone. Derek Smith eventually held onto it despite the Cardinals’ effort to recover, sealing the touchdown.

Two defensive series later, Travis Hall stripped Marcel Shipp at San Francisco’s 22-yard line and Derrick Johnson ran it back 78 yards to the end zone. The problem was that San Francisco didn’t score again, and the Cardinals went on to win 31-14.

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