49ers' Unique Travel Plan Could Prevent NFL Mileage Record Break
The San Francisco 49ers face a challenging travel schedule this season, highlighted by an opening game in Australia and a Week 11 matchup in Mexico City. This will mark a historic moment as they become the first NFL team to play two international games in non-consecutive weeks within the same season. Initially, the 49ers were slated to travel a staggering 38,105 miles, potentially breaking the NFL record for most miles traveled in a season. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that the team is contemplating a unique travel strategy for their game in Mexico City that could alter their mileage total. Key Travel Details: Altitude Challenge: Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet, higher than any NFL city, including Denver at 5,280 feet. To acclimate, the 49ers plan to practice in Colorado Springs prior to their game against the Minnesota Vikings. Travel Plan Considerations: If they proceed with flying to Colorado after their Week 10 game against the Dallas Cowboys, they would reduce their travel distance significantly: - Without Colorado Stop: - San Jose to Dallas: 2,876 miles - San Jose to Mexico City: 3,702 miles - Total: 6,578 miles - With Colorado Stop: - San Jose to Dallas: 1,438 miles - Dallas to Colorado Springs: 592 miles - Colorado Springs to Mexico City: 1,376 miles - Mexico City to San Jose: 1,851 miles - Total: 5,257 miles By opting for the Colorado route, the 49ers would trim their total travel from 38,105 miles to 36,784 miles, thus missing out on the record. Shanahan stated, "We haven't decided that yet, but most likely," regarding their travel plans.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-29