Despite nationwide protests, the NFL is moving forward with its scheduled game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. And Boomer Esiason has concerns.
The NFL’s International Series continues Sunday, with the Saints and Steelers playing at Stade de France. The game will take place amid civil unrest in France stemming from student-led protests over poor school conditions, which have escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations and some riots.
On Monday morning, a WFAN caller asked Esiason and co-host Gregg Giannotti why NFL commissioner Roger Goodell chose to move forward with the game in Paris despite the civil unrest in France. While the NFL claims there is no concern about the area hosting the game, Esiason wonders whether the game might attract social unrest.
“If you want to amplify your unrest, the best way to do it would be around an NFL football game in France.” – Boomer Esiason https://t.co/9MT3ZYWFRz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 19, 2026
“They claim where they are going that there is no unrest,” Esiason said. “But if you want to amplify your unrest, the best way to do it would be around an NFL football game in France. It is ugly over there right now, and it’s basically uncontrolled… I don’t necessarily know that the French government has the stones to put it to rest. But right now, it’s about as bad as it’s ever been.”
With the Saints arriving in Paris on Monday and the Steelers set to travel later this week, the NFL has already issued a statement reiterating plans to move forward with the game.
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the NFL said in a statement released Sunday. “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.”
According to The New York Times, an estimated 1,500 shops and retailers have been damaged, while more than 2,000 arrests have been made. Paris police have also issued a curfew which is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
This isn’t how the league or France expected the NFL’s first regular season game in Paris to be set up. But the NFL isn’t one to make concessions, so it’s not surprising that the league has decided against changing the location of its Paris game. It is, however, surprising that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn’t yet addressed traveling to and playing in a city overseas amid social unrest.
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