The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in the first NFL regular-season game played in Paris on Sunday, marking a historic event for the league. The game proceeded as scheduled despite nationwide protests in France, which drew over 100,000 demonstrators on Saturday, leading to some fan events being canceled.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 212 yards and a touchdown in the victory, moving him into third place on the NFL’s all-time regular-season touchdown passing list with his 540th career touchdown pass, surpassing Peyton Manning. Rodgers connected with Darnell Washington for a four-yard score late in the second quarter, capping a 77-yard drive. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell made three field goals, including a 47-yarder at the end of the first half, while the Steelers’ defense held New Orleans scoreless in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
The game kicked off at 2:30 p.m. local time in front of a near-capacity crowd at Stade de France, with a heavier security presence than typical for an NFL regular-season game. The NFL’s decision to proceed with the game followed Saturday’s protests, which saw clashes in Paris and Marseille despite a large police operation. Fan events on Saturday were canceled, but the stadium atmosphere on Sunday was described as festive and calm by attendees.
Rodgers acknowledged the team’s struggles on offense, stating, “I don’t think we played very good on offense today.” He emphasized the defense’s role in the win, noting “Our defense obviously played great.” Pittsburgh’s Jaylen Warren rushed for 101 yards on 18 carries, while the Saints’ offense managed just 10 points in the loss.
The pregame festivities featured a jazz-style rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by The Soul Rebels, a New Orleans brass band, which drew mixed reactions from fans. Some praised the unique performance, while others criticized it as unconventional. The Steelers’ pregame attire, described as resembling characters from the British series “Peaky Blinders,” also sparked discussion among fans.
The NFL’s decision to hold the game in Paris came amid civil unrest in France, including protests over rising living costs and inequality. The league maintained the game would proceed despite calls to postpone, citing security measures and logistical preparations. The Steelers and Saints’ owners met with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the game, though details of the discussion were not disclosed.
The victory improved Pittsburgh’s record to 5-2, while New Orleans fell to 2-5. The Steelers will next face the Cleveland Browns in their following game.