Steelers' Payton Wilson Makes Strong Comments About Ireland And France Games

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be going overseas for the second consecutive season. It has officially been confirmed that they will be playing in Stade de France in Paris to face the New Orleans Saints. This will be the first ever NFL game to be played in this nation, so it is a very exciting time for the French people, the NFL, and both teams. It's especially exciting for New Orleans, as it has very strong ties to France, similar to Pittsburgh and Ireland. This should be a milestone event for the league with its international expansion. 

While many players get annoyed at these international games due to the extensive travel, linebacker Payton Wilson has a different perspective on it. He explained his mindset on the two international contests during an interview with Steelers.com.

"I think this is super cool to play in another international game," Wilson said. "I'm excited to travel with my teammates. It was an awesome trip last year. Everything was first class last year. It was just a great experience."

Wilson was part of the first ever regular season game in Dublin, and there was certainly lots of fanfare around it. The Rooney family has roots in the Emerald Isle, and the team's constant involvement with the local populace has helped create many more members of Steeler Nation. That made the whole event even more special. Nobody from the organization will ever forget what happened there. 

While it was a business trip for everyone involved, it was still a time for the Steelers to reflect on how far they have come and enjoy the moment. Owner Art Rooney II was able to hold his head up high, knowing that his family's dream of bringing American Football to the Emerald Isle came true. The players knew how important this was to him, and they showed out on the field during that amazing weekend.

Like that weekend, this will be the first ever professional game in France, and the host team is one with deep connections to the country as mentioned. There should be lots of fanfare before this contest as well. However, this will be a different experience for Wilson and the Steelers. They will be the ones hearing the noise about how amazing this opportunity is and how much it means to the Saints' ownership, in which Pittsburgh will try to ruin the moment with a win. 

Steelers May Be Disappointed In Treatment In Paris

Wilson praised the "first-class" treatment that they received in Dublin, but that most likely won't happen here. All the attention will be put on the Saints. While that fanfare goes on, the Steelers will just be looking to work on getting rested from the jet lag and be ready for a big game with millions of viewers worldwide tuning in. They'll have to work in the shadows as New Orleans gets the "Pittsburgh in Dublin" treatment.

One thing the Steelers do have, however, is a rabid fan base on their side. If Pittsburgh is going to get this first-class treatment like Wilson mentioned, it will be from the European members of Steeler Nation that will get to experience a game in the mainland for the first time. This may be the Saints' biggest international market, but there are black and gold jerseys all over the world, maybe even more so than the Saints fans.

At the very least, it's exciting for Wilson to be a big part of NFL history once again, whether the host country is super supportive of his team or not. He can help mentor the rookies on what it's like to play a game in Europe, including the long plane rides that everyone dreads. He is working to become a leader on the team, and this could be a good stepping stone into becoming a full-time team captain. 

What do you think about Wilson's excitement surrounding both Ireland and France? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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