The NFL is pushing ahead with its first-ever regular season game in France, but it seems not everyone in the football world is thrilled with the plan. Dani Watt, wife of Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, took to Instagram on October 20 to question the league’s decision to stage the Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France near Paris, and honestly, can you blame her?
Riots on the Streets, NFL Still Says ‘Play Ball’
For weeks now, France has been grappling with disruptive protests, and these aren’t just your typical street marches. We’re talking anti-government demonstrations that have frequently devolved into full-blown riots, and they are still happening right up to game day. The league’s got this big international showcase planned, and there’s real chaos on the ground. Dani Watt saw that obvious clash and linked to a local CBS affiliate report that basically confirmed the NFL’s intent to proceed, captioning her post with a pointed, “Tell me how this one makes sense???” It’s a fair question when you consider the safety of players and staff. This isn’t just about football anymore, is it?
The League’s ‘Good Plan’ and the Team’s Mood
Despite the very public concerns, the Steelers and T.J. Watt are set to depart the United States on Thursday. Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy told the press on Monday that the entire team met with league officials to go over the precautions and protocols put in place to handle the situation. McCarthy described it as a “good plan” and even said the team’s mood ahead of the matchup was “excited.” It’s a bold move to send a team into that kind of environment, even with a plan. The Steelers did choose to leave later in the week for their international game in Dublin, Ireland, last season, so there’s a precedent for adjusted travel, but Dublin last year wasn’t dealing with ongoing riots.
This Week 7 game between the Steelers and Saints is going to be unlike any other. The Steelers are leaving on Thursday, and everyone’s going to be watching to see how this all plays out, both on the field and off. Will the NFL’s “good plan” hold up, or will Dani Watt’s concerns prove to be more prescient?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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