As the NFL continues to expand its global footprint, teams facing international travel must navigate non-football challenges ranging from jet lag to local security concerns. Addressing recent civil unrest in Paris, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy reassured fans and reporters that team leadership and league officials are monitoring the situation closely while following standard safety procedures.
In a post on X, reporter Nick Farabaugh shared McCarthy’s thoughts from his regular Monday press conference. McCarthy was asked about the concerns over the team traveling to Paris to play the New Orleans Saints.
Farabaugh posted, "Mike McCarthy says he's 'very aware' of the unrest going on in Paris, and they're in contact with the league office about it all, but that's usual international travel protocol for the NFL. 'We feel like we have a really good plan.'"
Mike McCarthy says he's 'very aware' of the unrest going on in Paris, and they're in contact with the league office about it all, but that's usual international travel protocol for the NFL.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 19, 2026
"We feel like we have a really good plan."
McCarthy emphasized that proactive communication is standard operational procedure whenever an NFL franchise prepares to play abroad. Coordinating with local authorities, federal agencies, and the league’s security arm ensures that logistical frameworks, travel itineraries, and emergency protocols are fully established long before players and staff board their flights.
Navigating international games presents unique operational logistics. Beyond managing time zone shifts and transporting team equipment, safeguarding players, staff, and travel contingents at foreign venues remains a top priority for the league. While political demonstrations and public unrest can cause scheduling anxiety, standard NFL protocol relies on direct coordination with security teams to mitigate potential disruptions to team travel or game-day activities.
Ultimately, McCarthy expressed full confidence in the organizational strategy developed in collaboration with the NFL office. By maintaining open lines of communication and sticking to established risk-management procedures, the team remains focused on maintaining its standard preparation routine while keeping player safety as the fundamental priority.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Mike McCarthy addresses Paris unrest ahead of NFL international trip