The New Orleans Saints have officially touched down in the City of Light, and their Week 7 clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France is still very much a go. Despite recent civil unrest that has swept across parts of France, the team's travel plans went off without a hitch, and they arrived in Paris on Monday morning via a direct flight from New Jersey, fresh off a 34-27 victory over the New York Giants.
Head coach Kellen Moore, who has been under the microscope lately with the Saints' rocky 1-4 start, seemed energized by the change of scenery. "Our guys were able to get out on the field and just kind of walk around and get a light lift in," Moore said, per team reporter John DeShazier. "I think it's a great setup. It's an awesome opportunity for our football team to spend some time together, focus in on a really good opportunity to play out here in a great atmosphere."
The NFL has been in constant communication with local authorities, security personnel, and both teams since riots broke out over the weekend, leading to curfews in select cities. However, league officials have repeatedly stressed that there has been "no disruption or impact at league sites." Brett Gosper, the NFL's head of Europe and Asia-Pacific, remains confident that the game will proceed as scheduled. "We've been monitoring that with our security people, in contact with the security people as well locally, French police, etc.," Gosper said. "It's full speed ahead at this point, we don't see any reason to be otherwise. That's the intelligence that we're getting, the view we're getting. So, all is good from this point. We're going to keep monitoring things and making sure that we stay safe. It's on a good passage way to the game now. That's our feeling."
For the players, the excitement of playing in France's first regular-season NFL game is tempered by practical concerns about safety, especially for those with family in tow. Tight end Juwan Johnson addressed the situation candidly. "Just being safe is obviously the biggest thing. Some guys have family here — some guys have their parents, their kids and things like that. The biggest thing is just travel in groups," Johnson said. "But I think what you do on your own is obviously, I think just praying for the city of Paris. I think being in Paris is one of the most beautiful things you can be a part of. They have so much history, so (many) things going on. But I think with everything that's going on, I think they're exercising what they want as far as change. As outsiders, we just want to be as safe as possible and keep our families and keep our teammates safe."
The game, set for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET on the NFL Network, marks a historic moment for the league and for France. The NFL has already issued a safety map for fans traveling to the stadium, and despite some backlash over the decision to play, the league is pressing forward. For the Saints, this trip is more than just a regular-season game — it's a chance to bond and refocus after a tough start. Moore, who has faced increasing pressure from fans and owner Gayle Benson, sees this as an opportunity to reset. The team's spirits seem high as they take in the unique atmosphere of Paris, and they're determined to make the most of this international stage.
As the week progresses, all eyes will be on Stade de France. The NFL insists that the game is on track, and the Saints are ready to play. For now, the focus is on enjoying the experience and preparing for a tough Steelers opponent. The City of Lights is set to host a gridiron spectacle like never before, and the Saints are ready to shine.
