Paris is pumped, packed, and rowdy for its first-ever NFL game. And according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, they have no plans to make NFL Paris 2026 a one-hit wonder.
"When we do something like this, we're not coming as a one-off.... We're making plans to be here long term. That's our commitment. The Saints want to be here," Goodell says. "Ms. Benson has made that clear."
All week long, Who Dat Nation flocked to the streets of Paris, but not only to bring their culture overseas. The Black and Gold die-hards have also shown up to embrace an entirely new culture that allows them to see NFL football in a new light.
Goodell explains to WWL's Deuce McAllister and Mike Hoss that these types of connections are the kind the NFL dreams of.
"The Saints connection with France, and Paris in particular, it's so clear and obvious there's a love affair going on there. We want to build on that," Goodell states.
Assessing the entirety of the proceedings, Goodell says, "It's been a great week. We have fans from all over. I think 85 countries bought tickets for this game today. It's one of the reasons Paris is such a perfect spot for us. It's such an international city."
But at the end of the day, it was the Saints fans that brought the heart, truly making Paris feel like a homefield environment, even after travelling 4,800 miles to be there.
"I think the fans of New Orleans are an example: They love seeing their city on a global stage," Goodell says. "They are over here in Paris; the world is hearing about New Orleans. There'll probably be 20 or 30 million people watching this game."
LISTEN TO WWL's EXCLUSIVE SAINTS/STEELERS COVERAGE LIVE, FROM PARIS
"The Saints connection with France and Paris in particular, it's so clear and obvious there's a love affair going on there. We want to build on that," Goodell states.
"The Saints connection with France and Paris in particular, it's so clear and obvious there's a love affair going on there. We want to build on that," Goodell states.
