The NFL is officially pushing forward with the Steelers-Saints game in Paris on October 25, despite ongoing social unrest in the city. Just 11 days out from kickoff, there’s been a lot of chatter about whether this game would actually happen, but the league is apparently having none of it.
“Full Steam Ahead” in the City of Lights
On Wednesday, the league dropped a statement, loud and clear, saying it’s “full steam ahead” for the first-ever regular season game in Paris. They’re still hyped for the event and the game at Stade de France. According to a statement via Brooke Pryor of ESPN, the NFL is all about working closely with local authorities and partners on “all operational and security matters.” They even added, “We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.” You’d think that would settle it, right?
Are Safety Concerns Being Ignored?
Hold up. The article straight up calls out that “looking forward” to it and it “actually happening” are two completely different things. It’s a huge red flag if the NFL is going to put anyone at risk. We’re talking player safety, fan safety, everyone involved. The league *says* they’ll reconsider if safety issues pop up, but you gotta wonder how bad things need to get before they pull the plug. The most obvious backup plan? Just play the game in New Orleans. Remember back in 2018 when they moved the Chiefs-Rams game from Mexico City to LA because the field wasn’t safe? There’s a precedent for putting safety first.
With October 25 fast approaching, everyone’s watching to see if the NFL truly has a handle on things. This isn’t just about a game, it’s about whether they’ll prioritize safety over spectacle. Let’s hope for the best, but keep those fingers crossed that they actually mean it when they talk about safety. This one feels like it could go sideways real fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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