Key Takeaways
- Aaron Rodgers backed the NFL’s decision to hold the Steelers-Saints game in France, saying, “If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.”
- The historic matchup at Stade de France comes amid widespread unrest, with the U.S. State Department urging Americans attending the game to stay alert around planned protests.
- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league coordinated with U.S. and French officials and made “all the preparations” needed for security.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are making history with the NFL's first-ever regular-season game in France, facing off at Stade de France in Saint-Denis. There's just one problem: The country is dealing with widespread unrest.
What started in September with student walkouts over school conditions has since grown into a wider show of protest. While some demonstrations have remained peaceful, thousands of arrests have followed as authorities try to contain the unrest.
Aaron Rodgers has spent decades in the NFL, so the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback knows a thing or two about the league's decisions and the business of football. With the Steelers preparing to play the New Orleans Saints in France, Rodgers is standing by the NFL's decision to bring the game overseas despite the unrest surrounding the event. He was asked for his thoughts on the game and the decision to play in France in a pregame press conference, and he didn’t hesitate with his answer.
"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," Rodgers told reporters in Paris, per ESPN.
Late Thursday, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert, stating, "Numerous groups submitted plans for protests on Saturday, Oct. 24. Americans in Paris for the NFL game on Sunday, Oct. 25 should also exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. While permits may be filed for demonstration routes, last-minute changes can happen and protests can occur outside planned routes."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also assured fans that he's spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that authorities are communicating with Parisian and French officials.
"We've made all the preparations," Goodell said, according to ESPN. "Protests are not unusual in France, as you know, and that's something that we will be aware of and make sure that the appropriate arrangements are made."
