Waiting for the foe
Saints see Eiffel Tower and soccer game, say no worries about security
VERSAILLES, France – Flag football by the Eiffel Tower. A Paris Saint-Germain game. An upcoming visit to the Palace of Versailles.
New Orleans Saints players are having a pretty good time in and around Paris despite recent street protests that resulted in curfews in some trouble spots.
The Saints face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Stade de France. Since arriving early Monday, they’ve been able to be part-time tourists.
“It’s been an exciting week,” wide receiver Devaughn Vele said. “I’m a big food guy, so I’ve been taking it all in. I couldn’t even tell you what I’ve tried. I didn’t even look at the names. I just try anything I can, trying to immerse myself in the culture.”
The day out with teammates included seeing the Eiffel Tower.
“It was awesome to see, it’s a beautiful culture, beautiful people,” he said after Wednesday’s practice. “I think a lot of the guys have the same excitement. So it’s been a good experience so far.”
Municipal workers cleaned debris and shopkeepers repaired windows and security grates Wednesday as the cleanup continued from weekend violence in several Paris locations.
Defensive end Cam Jordan, however, said he “didn’t see anything” related to property damage when he visited a flag football clinic near the Eiffel Tower.
The Steelers are scheduled to arrive early Friday.
PSG game a highlight
Several players were guests of Paris Saint-Germain for the team’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the soccer Champions League on Tuesday night.
“I’m won’t lie, it was literally the highlight of my trip,” safety Justin Reid said. “I loved everything about the game. I loved the warmup, loved the atmosphere. I love how there’s all the signs. They have the big tarp that they had before the game with like the ‘Jason’ thing.”
Reid, who said he grew up playing soccer, wished some games in the U.S. had the same vibe.
As for protests, “I don’t think any of us have any worries,” he said, adding the NFL has provided plenty of security for the team.
“It’s been a great trip so far,” added Reid, who plans to visit the Palace of Versailles later in the week.
Kicker not in Paris
Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that kicker Daniel Carlson was still in the United States for family reasons: “They’re expecting a little one here in a little bit.”
“We’ve talked through this all. We’re all on the same page,” Moore added. “He should be out here shortly.”
The Saints could promote Charlie Smyth from the practice squad should Carlson be unavailable.
Guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) also didn’t practice and Moore said his status was “day to day.” Ruiz was injured in the Giants game and rookie guard Jeremiah Wright replaced him.
No timeline for Jordyn Tyson
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) won’t practice this week, general manager Mickey Loomis said. The 2026 first-round draft pick has yet to make his NFL debut.
“We feel like we’re getting closer. I don’t have a specific timetable for that yet, but we’re encouraged,” Loomis said.
The general manager defended the selection of Tyson, the No. 8 overall pick.
“The injury that he has is not the same injury that he had before. Those can happen,” Loomis said. “It’s unfortunate that it happened at the very beginning of his career.”
French connection
The NFL found a good match between team and international host when the Pittsburgh Steelers played in Dublin last year. Pittsburgh has strong Irish connections, notably with the Rooney family that owns the team.
It might have gone one better this time.
The New Orleans Saints are in Paris, which has imposed curfews following street protests, to play a regular-season game in France for the first time in NFL history. Coincidentally, it’s against the Steelers.
The fleur-de-lis, or lily flower, is one of the most recognized symbols of New Orleans. It’s the team’s logo and has always been on the Saints’ helmets.
For hundreds of years, it was the symbol of the French monarchy.
The Louisiana state fact book notes: “The first official flag of Louisiana was the French fleur-de-lis raised by Robert Cavelier de La Salle at the mouth of the Mississippi River in 1682 when he claimed the lower river valley for France.”
The Saints are currently the only team with marketing rights in France. The designation lets them sign commercial deals and grow their fan base in the country.
“They’re in good position. They’re becoming France’s team, which is great,” said Brett Gosper, the NFL’s head of Europe and Asia-Pacific.
“I don’t think it will be long before other teams turn up in France, because it’s such a great market,” he added. “The Saints may enjoy it for a while on their own, but I’m not sure how long that will last.”