Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Friday expressed confidence in the NFL's security decisions around staging a game in Paris, despite recent civil unrest in the city. Speaking at a news conference inside a downtown hotel shortly after the team arrived in the capital, Rodgers said, "I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what's going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I'm sure we wouldn't be here."
Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France is going ahead despite recent demonstrations in Paris and other cities in France, with more protests planned for this weekend. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert late Thursday, warning that numerous groups have submitted plans for protests on Saturday, October 24, and that Americans attending the game should exercise caution. It noted that last-minute changes can happen and protests can occur outside planned routes.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials remain in contact with Parisian and French authorities. "We've made all the preparations," Goodell said. "Protests are not unusual in France, as you know, and that's something that we will be aware of and make sure that the appropriate arrangements are made."
Weather also disrupted team operations. The Steelers' outdoor morning practice at Stade de France was canceled due to wind and light rain, about 90 minutes before its scheduled 11 a.m. start. A weekend event for Steelers fans was canceled Thursday because of security concerns, and the Saints, who are based in Versailles and practice at Stade Municipal Montbauron, skipped their media viewing portion due to wind and rain conditions.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing