New Orleans Saints Fans and Officials Head to France Amid Security Concerns

New Orleans Saints supporters are heading to France. This movement began early Tuesday with an Air France charter flight carrying Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, among others, expected to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris.

The Republican governor, sporting a hoodie with the Saints’ fleur-de-lis symbol, departed from Louis Armstrong Airport on Monday evening. Before boarding, he spoke with reporters alongside fellow travelers, ready to spend the week in France prior to Sunday’s NFL game between the Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

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Landry expressed confidence in the safety of the trip, so much so that the group brought along the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV Lombardi Trophy. He assured reporters about their preparedness to handle safety risks.

“Yeah, look, we’ve been in contact with the State Department and talking to our partners over there,” Landry explained. “The NFL collaborates effectively with the FBI, the Department of Justice, and Interpol to securely manage new stadiums.” The NFL recently confirmed the game remains scheduled.

While the league confirmed ongoing preparations for the upcoming NFL events at Stade de France, the statement did not confirm the situation as unequivocally safe. “Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the statement read, provided to OutKick and Fox News Digital.

The Saints traveled to France after their recent game, with some fans following. The Steelers plan to depart for France on Thursday after holding a Zoom meeting with the league office on Monday. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy commented, “That’s part of the normal planning anytime you go abroad.” He emphasized their confidence in their plan despite the current unrest in Paris.

Amid the backdrop of a curfew and business closures due to violence in Paris, Landry expects to conduct business for Louisiana in Europe, including meetings with CEOs from Shell and BP. The NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, set to attend the game, may also meet with Landry to discuss the possibility of New Orleans hosting another Super Bowl.