Pittsburgh Steelers Arrive in Paris Oct. 23 Ahead of Saints Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived in Paris on Oct. 23, 2026, roughly 48 hours before they were to face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first game in France. The arrival and the trip were described by players as part of a broader focus on rest, recovery and representing the city of Pittsburgh. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 42 and in his 22nd season, said the experience contributes to why he continues to play. “I love it. It’s never felt like a job. I never felt like I had a job,” Rodgers said after the Steelers’ arrival.
Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf reflected on last season’s international trip to Dublin, where Metcalf had five receptions for 126 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown. Both players said international games are opportunities to travel and make memories beyond the regular season. Rodgers called it “nice to be a part of the first game in France,” and praised the league’s expansion into new markets. Metcalf said the experience is valuable for players seeing another side of the world for the first time.
Several Steelers addressed international media in Paris, including defensive lineman Cam Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, tight end Pat Freiermuth, running back Jaylen Warren and inside linebacker Patrick Queen. Watt denied having any themed sack celebration planned and said he slept better on the Paris flight than he did in Dublin, noting he focused on hydration and fueling this trip. Watt joked that teammate Alex Highsmith “has done the Mbappé about 4,000 times” while imitating the French soccer star during downtime. Players emphasized hydration, sleep and fueling as priorities during travel and preparation for the game.
The trip blended business and limited sightseeing for many players. Warren said his family made the trip and added, “I definitely want to see the Eiffel Tower,” but he emphasized, “I look at these trips as business trips. I’m not here to have fun. I’m here to win a game.” Tight end Pat Freiermuth said he planned to push through the schedule and get an early night before game day. Heyward, the longest-tenured Steeler, noted he has participated in all three franchise international appearances London in 2013, Dublin last year and Paris and said, “You can’t treat it like a normal game.”
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Steelers have leaned on veteran leadership to manage the unusual logistics of an international trip and to keep younger players focused on routine. Rodgers and Heyward provide perspective from long careers and multiple overseas appearances, while Metcalf and others recall how strong performances abroad can coexist with travel. Players have emphasized hydration, sleep and proper fueling as concrete steps to limit travel-related disruption. That disciplined approach should help the team adapt to the different atmosphere and fan distribution they expect at Stade de France.