NFL proceeds with inaugural Paris game despite local unrest
The New Orleans Saints arrived in Paris for the Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the league prepares fan events amid ongoing protests in the city.
The New Orleans Saints touched down in Paris on Monday ahead of their Week 7 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the NFL's first regular-season game in the French capital. The league plans to host an "NFL House" and other fan activities later in the week, with the Saints organizing their own events for supporters.
The Steelers are scheduled to arrive on Thursday. > "You would hope that the NFL is not going to put us in any bad situations," linebacker Cole Holcomb said, adding that the team will travel if conditions are deemed safe.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the Steelers held a meeting to discuss potential concerns about the trip, and owner Art Rooney II has been involved in contingency planning should the situation worsen.
If security concerns force a relocation, the league's backup option would be to move the game to London, which is relatively close to Paris.