The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to grab a win over the New Orleans Saints during the team's Week 7 game over in Paris, France. The final score was 16-10, and it definitely was not a pretty victory. The offense was only able to score one touchdown in the game, but the defense held up as it only allowed the Saints to score 10 points on the day. The offense was definitely a little bit sluggish, and might be because of the team traveling to Paris on Thursday night rather than earlier in the week. That was a major talking point early on, but Pittsburgh was able to get the win regardless.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers looks to pass during a win over the Saints in Paris during the 2026 season.
There were several pundits in the media that questioned Pittsburgh's decision to travel when they did, and there were even some players on the team that didn't love the move. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was clear in saying that he wished the team had come over to France earlier in the week like the Saints did, although he didn't seem too concerned about his body adjusting to the time change. His comments included that he wanted to have time in Paris to experience the culture. He had similar comments during the 2025 season when Pittsburgh played the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
Rodgers spoke to the media after the win over the Saints, and he was asked about the experience and how the NFL has placed more of a priority on playing international games. He noted that he loves these games, but he wishes the league would step in and open its checkbook.
"It would be awesome to see them, you know, have an international week," Rodgers said. "Because I think it's great for the game and the expansion of the game. I wish there was a mandate though, from the league, and they would have to open up their pocketbooks too, and maybe they're a little tight on money and stuff, but I think they should mandate every team coming over Sunday or Monday. To really enjoy the culture and the place you're going. You can do events in those cities and outreach stuff and community work, but they won't, because they're a little tight."
The quarterback clearly loves the initiative from the league to expand the game and play contests in different countries, but Rodgers seems to think it can be done better. He has been clear in stating that he wishes he could have been in Paris earlier in the week, and his proposed mandate would make that happen.
Jordan Perez / Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers stand on the field prior to a Week 6 game against the Buccaneers.
In giving his opinion, Rodgers of course had to take a shot at the league. He was being sarcastic in stating that the league might be tight on cash, even though there is no way that that could be the case. The veteran quarterback has been a little bit looser with his words and his criticism of the NFL since it is his final season, and this could also be a shot at the Steelers and Team President and Owner Art Rooney II. It would obviously cost him more money to have the team stay in a different country for a longer period of time.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Has Been Harsh Against The NFL In His Final Season
Rodgers made these comments about the NFL being cheap following the win, but earlier in the week, he criticized the league and its medical staff for the handling of Jalen Hurts and his blood clots. He has been ruthless in his press conferences dating all the way back to the summer when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show during training camp. He has been like this throughout his career, but there is a chance that he is more polarizing than ever in his final season. This was Rodgers' final international game, so maybe the league won't have to hear any more about it from the future Hall of Famer once he gets back to the states.
What do you think of Rodgers' comments toward the NFL? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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