Sunday's NFL showdown in Paris wasn't just about the final score—it was about the sound before the snap. The Pittsburgh Steelers edged the New Orleans Saints 16-10, but the real buzz came from a pregame anthem that had fans everywhere talking.
The Soul Rebels, an eight-piece brass ensemble from New Orleans, delivered a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that was anything but traditional. Their upbeat, jazzy take on the U.S. anthem in the City of Light quickly went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, and ignited a firestorm of reactions.
Fans Split on the Soul Rebels' Anthem
Reactions were as diverse as the performance itself. Some fans embraced the creativity, praising the band for adding a unique flavor to the international stage. "A New Orleans brass band doing the anthem in Paris is a perfect touch. The Soul Rebels delivered," one fan wrote. Another chimed in, "That was AWESOME! Hats off to the Soul Rebels!!!"
Others, however, found the upbeat rhythm jarring for such a solemn tune. "I didn't think it was bad, it's just weird the American anthem in a cheerful rhythm," one commenter noted. Another simply said, "Interesting but a bit weird to hear." The debate even drew attention to the broadcast style of the game, with some fans focusing on the presenters' Parisian flair.
Aaron Rodgers Calls Out the NFL
While the anthem dominated social media, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers used the postgame press conference to take a different shot—this time at the league's ownership. Rodgers criticized the NFL for not prioritizing player safety and international expansion equally.
"There was talk about doing a week, an international week, where you had games in 16 different places and you just added an extra bye week," Rodgers said. "So you play 16 regular season, you have two bye weeks, one of those weeks would've been an international week, I think it would've been phenomenal for the game. Owners wanted to push for 17 games for the extra revenue and because they care so much about player safety, but it would've been nice."
He also suggested that teams should embrace the culture of host cities more fully. "I think there's great opportunities for expansion in those things. It'd be nice to see them have an international week, because I think it's great for the game and expansion of the game. I wish there was a mandate, though, from the league—and they would have to open up their pocketbooks too, you know maybe they're a little tight on money and stuff—I think they should mandate every team coming over Sunday or Monday to really enjoy the culture of the place you're going."
Beyond the Anthem: The Game Itself
On the field, the Steelers improved to 5-2, solidifying their status as a legitimate AFC contender. The Saints, meanwhile, fell to a disappointing 2-5. But the Paris atmosphere was undeniable, with fans enjoying the unique setting—even as officiating drew boos from Saints fans.
The NFL's commitment to international games remains strong, with plans for more Paris matchups despite local unrest. For now, the anthem debate is the story that lingers.
What did you make of the performance? Love it or hate it, it certainly got people talking—and that might be exactly what the league wanted.
