The NFL is pushing full steam ahead with Sunday morning's clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints at the Stade de France, even as Paris simmers with unrest. But while the league tightens security and fans worry about safety, one group is making it clear they're here for a good time: the players' wives and girlfriends.
Reports from the City of Light show the WAGs living their best lives, hitting up chic spots and taking in the sights, seemingly unfazed by the chaos unfolding around them. The New York Post noted that they were spotted "partying it up" this weekend, with photos circulating on social media. It's a bold statement in a city bracing for more demonstrations.
The unrest has been brewing for weeks, with protests over education quality, skyrocketing living costs, and other grievances. President Trump weighed in, saying, "It's looking like tomorrow's going to be a bad day in France, so you worry about it... I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match." But the league isn't budging.
Peter O'Reilly, the NFL's executive VP of club business, international and league events, assured everyone that safety is the top priority. "There's nothing more important from our standpoint than the teams' security, the fans' security — everybody involved with this game," he said at the Fall League Meeting. "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."
This comes after a week of drama that included last-minute flight plans and public criticism from players' families. The league also scaled back fan events and issued safety advisories for attendees. Yet, the WAGs seem to have gotten the memo that it's business as usual.
Social media posts from the group show them enjoying the city's iconic landmarks, dining at upscale restaurants, and soaking up the Parisian vibe. It's a stark contrast to the images of riot police and burning barricades that have dominated headlines. But for these women, the show must go on.
The decision to play the game hasn't been without controversy. Critics have called it "incredibly stupid" to hold the event amid such volatility, and some have even suggested moving it to London. But the NFL has remained steadfast, insisting that relocation was never on the table.
As kickoff approaches, the tension in Paris is palpable. But for the WAGs, it's all about enjoying the moment. Whether they're sipping champagne at a rooftop bar or strolling along the Seine, they're making a statement: no protest is going to ruin their weekend.
The game itself promises to be a historic occasion, the first NFL matchup ever played in Paris. But off the field, the real story might just be the unshakable resolve of the players' partners to have a good time, no matter what.
