Rodgers says NFL would cancel Paris game if unsafe amid protests

Rodgers told reporters the league would not proceed with the Saints‑Steelers matchup in Saint‑Denis if conditions proved unsafe.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 24 Oct 2026 20:52:23 GMT

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said the NFL would cancel its first regular‑season game in Paris if the security situation became unsafe, referring to the large protests planned for Saturday.

What happened

The NFL’s historic Saints‑Steelers game is set for Sunday at the Stade de France in Saint‑Denis, about 10 km from central Paris. Protests that erupted across France last weekend have prompted President Emmanuel Macron to tighten curbs, and authorities expect demonstrations to begin Saturday near Place de la Bastille. Rodgers said at a Friday press conference that the league is monitoring the situation and would not play if it were unsafe.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera noted that the game is scheduled for Sunday and that the NFL would have cancelled it if conditions were unsafe, quoting Rodgers’ confidence that the league is “alert to what’s going on.” France 24 added that the U.S. State Department issued a security alert on Thursday night, urging Americans in Paris to avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest. Both outlets reported the same statement from Rodgers, but France 24 provided the additional detail about the State Department warning.

What was said

Rodgers told reporters, “I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here,” as reported by both Al Jazeera and France 24.

How it came about

Felo News previously reported that the league was proceeding with the game despite protests (NFL says Paris game will go ahead despite French protests) and that Saints players had voiced safety concerns (Saints players voice safety concerns ahead of Paris NFL game amid riots). The current statements from Rodgers echo earlier assurances from Commissioner Roger Goodell that security arrangements are “very high,” while also reflecting the heightened tension documented in earlier coverage of French unrest.

Key facts

Aaron Rodgers said the NFL would cancel the Paris game if it were unsafe. (aljazeera.com)
The Saints‑Steelers game is scheduled for Sunday at Stade de France in Saint‑Denis. (france24.com)
The U.S. State Department issued a security alert urging Americans to avoid demonstrations in Paris. (france24.com)