Steelers and Saints Kick Off Historic Paris Game Amid Civil Unrest

Key points

• The game kicked off at 9:30 a.m. ET at the Stade de France, near capacity, following a day of violent protests that resulted in over 1,000 arrests across France.
• The Steelers took an early 3-0 lead after running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 43 yards on the opening drive, culminating in a 28-yard field goal by Chris Boswell.
• President Donald Trump admitted he was 'worried' about the game and suggested it could have been postponed, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the event would be safe.
• The NFL canceled three pre-game fan events due to safety concerns, but maintained the game would proceed as scheduled, citing robust security and operational plans.
• The Saints (2-4) and Steelers (4-2) entered the game with contrasting records; both teams' quarterbacks, Tyler Shough and Aaron Rodgers, had thrown for 12 touchdowns through six games.

Background

This is the NFL's first regular-season game in France, part of a broader push for international expansion. Previous attempts, such as a game in London, faced logistical challenges, including a blood clot incident for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The current unrest in France, driven by cost-of-living and education grievances, has raised questions about the league's risk management for international events.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick emphasized the NFL's resilience in playing despite difficult circumstances, comparing it to past games in adverse conditions, while noting the controversy surrounding the decision. Fox Sports focused on the statistical matchup, highlighting the Steelers' defensive strengths and the Saints' passing offense. NBC Sports reported on the early game action, noting the Steelers' strong start. ESPN's source was inaccessible, so no perspective could be extracted. The outlets generally agreed on the facts but differed in emphasis: OutKick highlighted the political and security aspects, Fox Sports the statistical matchup, and NBC Sports the immediate game action.

Why it matters

The decision to play the game despite civil unrest and high-level criticism tests the NFL's commitment to international expansion and its ability to manage security risks. It also highlights the growing tensions between the league and political figures over the safety and feasibility of international games.

What to watch

The game will continue with the Steelers holding a 3-0 lead. The NFL will likely monitor the situation closely for any further security threats. The league may face increased scrutiny over its international game policies in the future, especially if similar unrest occurs in other host cities.