Steelers' Paris Plan: Travel Arrangements, NFL's Statement

The Pittsburgh Steelers are very much aware of the protests that are currently ongoing in France and have a plan in place as they get set to face the New Orleans Saints in Paris in Week 7.

During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike McCarthy noted that the Steelers conducted a Zoom call with the league office, which is typical protocol for international games, and that the organization is confident in its plan as it heads overseas.

“I'm obviously very aware, that’s part or the normal planning anytime you go abroad," McCarthy said. "The team is excited about playing over there….we had a Zoom call today with the league office, that’s normal protocol. We have a lot of confidence in our plan.”

What's Happening in France?

A string of anti-government protests have taken place throughout France recently.

According to USA Today, more than 2,000 people were arrested in the country for their roles in riots that ultimately became violent over the weekend.

The protests first began when high school and university students were seeking more funding from the French government for education while also wanting better conditions in schools.

Other groups later joined in, including labor unions, farmers and other workers' groups (as noted by USA Today).

The rising cost of living in France has also been a central topic within the protests.

NFL's Statement

The NFL put out a statement this past weekend, which noted that preparations for the meeting between the Steelers and Saints at Stade de France remain ongoing while the league works with local authorities to ensure all operational and security matters are properly tended to.

"Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday," the NFL said, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell. "We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There's been no disruption or impact at league sites."