It appears the NFL’s plans to move forward with staging its first-ever regular season game in France are meeting resistance from one of the most famous families in football
Dani Watt, wife of Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, spoke out about the team’s NFL Week 7 matchup with the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France near Paris in an Instagram post Oct. 20.
The country has been dealing with disruptive protests for several weeks, and they are continuing into the days immediately leading up to the game.
“Tell me how this one makes sense???” Watt wrote while linking to a report from a local CBS affiliate that explained the NFL’s plans to proceed
despite the anti-government demonstrations that have frequently devolved into riots.
T.J. Watt and the Steelers plan to depart the United States on Thursday. Coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that the full team met with officials from the league office to explain precautions and protocols that are in place to navigate the situation. He called it a “good plan” and described the team’s mood ahead of the matchup as “excited.”
The Steelers also chose to leave later in the week for their international game in Dublin, Ireland, last season.
The Saints have been in France since early in the week, and there have been no reports of safety issues for them so far.
Thousands have been arrested and some curfews have been enforced in areas in and around Paris as government officials attempt to restore order. Some of the protests have gripped Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of the city where Stade de France is located.
The NFL has nevertheless told the public that league sites – including Stade de France – are secure. The stadium was previously the main track and field venue for the 2024 Olympics.
“We’re confident in our operational and security plans,” NFL vice president for international and club business Peter O’Reilly said during the league’s fall meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20.
The NFL is working in close partnership with security at Stade de France, which was the focal point of the Olympics in the city, O'Reilly said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dani Watt, wife of Steelers star T.J. Watt, questions NFL plan for Paris game
