The NFL is standing firm on its decision to play the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints at Stade de France this Sunday, even as violent protests grip Paris. But Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is pleading with the league to relocate the game to London, calling the current plan a risky gamble that could tarnish the NFL's international reputation.
France has been rocked by nationwide demonstrations over the high cost of living and education system. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported nearly 1,000 arrests on Saturday alone, describing an "extremely elevated level of violence." CBS News estimates that roughly 410,000 people joined the protests across the country this weekend.
The NFL had already canceled the Steelers Fan House event in Paris, fueling speculation that Sunday's game might be moved. However, the league insists that all attendees—players, coaches, and fans—will be safe. "There's nothing more important from our standpoint than the teams' security, the fans' security—everybody involved with this game," said Peter O'Reilly, the NFL's executive VP of club business, international and league events. "Obviously being very vigilant in everything we do, in all of our planning on an hour-by-hour basis, working closely with the two teams."
Despite these assurances, Florio is urging the NFL to take the prudent step of moving the game to London. He points out that a recent soccer match between PSG and Lyon was postponed from Sunday to Monday at the direction of French authorities. "If the NFL won't do the prudent thing and move the game to London, the powers-that-be in Paris should direct the NFL to bump Steelers-Saints to Monday, too," Florio wrote. He notes that such a shift would place the game in a Monday morning or afternoon slot on the East Coast, potentially unlocking a new standalone broadcast window for the league.
Florio's concerns echo those of President Donald Trump, who suggested on Friday that the NFL should postpone the game. "It's looking like tomorrow's going to be a bad day in France, so you worry about it," Trump told reporters. "I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match, if you want to know the truth, because France is really in trouble."
The league, however, has been adamant that moving the game was never on the table. In a recent statement, NFL officials emphasized their commitment to the Paris event, despite the enhanced security measures now in place. The team's travel to Paris has also drawn criticism, with the last-minute flight raising eyebrows among fans and analysts.
Adding to the controversy, former Steelers star T.J. Watt's wife, Dani Watt, publicly blasted the decision, asking, "Tell me how this makes sense???" Her comments reflect a broader backlash against the NFL's Paris game plan, which many have called "incredibly stupid."
Meanwhile, the NFL has issued a safety map for fans attending the game, but the atmosphere remains tense. The Saints have already landed in Paris, and both teams are preparing for a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff, with no plans to change venue.
Florio argues that the NFL is risking its international brand by proceeding with the game in such a volatile environment. "If something goes wrong, the fallout could be severe," he wrote. The league, however, seems confident that its security protocols will suffice, even as protests continue to escalate.
As the world watches, the Steelers and Saints are set to take the field in Paris, a decision that has sparked intense debate and raised questions about the NFL's priorities when it comes to player and fan safety.
