The NFL’s first-ever game in Paris is generating serious buzz, and for good reason. Since the announcement in February, the excitement has been building—not just for Saints fans, but for the entire European football community. This October, the New Orleans Saints will take the field at the iconic Stade de France as the home team, marking a historic moment for the league and its international expansion.
For one British Saints fan and writer, this game is deeply personal. After moving back to Europe, it will be his first chance to see the black and gold in person since leaving the Superdome. “This game is very special to me,” he shares. “It’s not just about the Saints being the home team—it’s my first opportunity to watch them live on this side of the Atlantic.”
To get the full picture, he turned to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, one of the most respected voices covering the Saints. Duncan provided invaluable insight into what this game means for the league and the team. “This is part of a larger NFL initiative to grow the brand globally,” Duncan explains. “Roger Goodell sees this as an untapped revenue stream, and I think he’s right. The interest level is growing by the year.”
The growth of American football in Europe has been nothing short of remarkable. Just 19 years after the first International Series game, the landscape has completely changed. The writer recalls how different things were when he first moved to New Orleans. “Before, you’d struggle to find a place to watch Red Zone on a Sunday. Now, pubs and restaurants all over the country advertise it prominently. NFL jerseys are everywhere.”
Duncan believes this is only the beginning. “I think what we’re seeing now is the nascent stages of a global explosion in interest in the sport.” For new fans, learning the game is part of the journey. The writer remembers being dropped into the world of football at nine years old, and now, he’s witnessing a whole new generation of fans discovering the sport for the first time.
Whether you’re a die-hard Saints fan or new to the game, the Paris matchup is shaping up to be a landmark event. From the atmosphere at the Stade de France to the growing passion for football across Europe, this is a moment worth celebrating—and one that will undoubtedly inspire more fans to gear up and join the action.