The U.S. State Department dropped a security alert for NFL fans hitting Paris this weekend, a stark warning delivered while Sunday’s game is still set to kick off despite violent civil unrest tearing through the city and other parts of France. This isn’t just some minor disturbance either, we’re talking full-blown protests with major property destruction, uncontrolled looting, and even attacks on police, who are responding with crowd control methods like tear gas.
Paris Is Burning, But the Game Goes On
U.S. officials are telling fans to straight up avoid demonstrations and any areas of unrest, especially places with big crowds or significant police action. There are plans for even more protests this Saturday, October 24, so Americans in Paris for the game on Sunday, October 25, need to stay sharp and aware of their surroundings. Apparently, these things can change routes last minute, and pop up anywhere. It’s a seriously tense situation over there, and it sounds like no joke.
Despite all this, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that preparations were made after talking with U.S. and French authorities. He even said street protests “are not unusual in France.” That’s one way to put it, I guess. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who are playing the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France, already had to cancel a scheduled fan event on Thursday because of these very security concerns. It really makes you wonder.
Rodgers Stays Cool, Watt Is ‘Good to Go’
Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is playing it cool, saying the team is “very confident” that their experience will be positive. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers, speaking at a news conference right after the team arrived in Paris, backed that up. He expressed faith in the NFL’s ability to handle safety, noting, “I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.” Strong words from Rodgers, but it’s a bold stance when the State Department is telling people to literally avoid areas of unrest.
Meanwhile, the Steelers’ Friday morning practice session at Stade de France got called off, not because of protests this time, but due to gnarly inclement weather, with strong wind gusts and light rain hitting Paris. The team had flown overnight and planned an outdoor session, but it was nixed 90 minutes beforehand.
On the injury front, outside linebacker T.J. Watt is managing a calf issue. He was listed as limited in practice on Thursday’s injury report, after previously resting. But Watt himself isn’t sweating it. When asked about his calf and the time difference, he said, “I feel really good, honestly. I just try to hydrate as much as possible, was able to sleep on the plane, just hit an espresso so I should be good to go.” McCarthy isn’t worried about Watt’s availability either, though the final call will come after Saturday’s practice. Watt, who’s already racked up 4.5 sacks this season, mentioned he and other players planned “some things around town, camaraderie” after team meetings. Let’s hope those “things around town” are far from any protest routes.
So, it’s Steelers vs. Saints on Sunday at Stade de France. With the security concerns looming and Watt’s calf being watched, it’s going to be one wild ride for everyone involved. Let’s see if the NFL’s confidence pays off and if T.J. Watt is truly good to go on game day.
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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