Supporters of the New Orleans Saints began arriving in France early Tuesday. An Air France charter flight carrying Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and others landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport, near Paris. The governor, wearing a hoodie with the Saints’ fleur-de-lis symbol, departed Louis Armstrong Airport Monday evening. Before boarding, he spoke to reporters, highlighting the group’s week-long stay in France, culminating in Sunday’s NFL game between the Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France, Saint-Denis.
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Governor Landry expressed confidence in the safety of the trip, bringing along the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV Lombardi Trophy. He emphasized coordinating with the State Department and various security agencies. Landry stated, “One thing the NFL does well is work with the FBI and Interpol to secure new stadiums.” He reassured reporters of the NFL’s assurance on safety, saying, “The NFL said it’s safe, and we’re aiming for a good time.”
The NFL released a statement confirming that plans for the game remain unchanged, though it did not declare safety unequivocally. “Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France,” read the statement. The league remains in close contact with local authorities and provides regular updates to the two clubs involved.
While the Saints have already reached France, Pittsburgh Steelers plan to fly in on Thursday. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy noted the team held a Zoom meeting with the league office on Monday to discuss international travel planning. “We are aware of the situations there and have confidence in our plan,” said McCarthy.
Meanwhile, New Orleans players enjoy a day off, exploring Versailles and attending a Paris Saint-Germain FC soccer match. This comes amidst French government-imposed curfews due to violence in Paris and other cities.
Despite ongoing unrest, Governor Landry aims to conduct business for Louisiana. “We do a lot of work and business in Europe,” he mentioned, anticipating meetings with CEOs of Shell, BP, and potentially NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Landry hopes to advocate for another Super Bowl in New Orleans.