by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published October 21, 2026, 6:07 PM
The French Connection: Steelers Trade Pittsburgh Grit for Paris Glamour, but Nobody’s Going on Vacation
PITTSBURGH, PA – Bonjour, Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are trading the blue-collar charm of Western Pennsylvania for the seductive streets of Paris, where fashion is religion, wine is practically a food group, and American football is preparing to introduce another European audience to the violence of an NFL Sunday.
Forget the postcards.
Mike McCarthy isn’t taking 53 men overseas to admire the Mona Lisa.
He’s going to win a football game.
McCarthy understands the assignment.
“This one’s different. A lot of planning, a lot of extra conversations,” he said. “Obviously the state of what surrounds the game.”
Across the Atlantic awaits the New Orleans Saints, coached by Kellen Moore, a familiar face from McCarthy’s Dallas Cowboys days. The former Cowboys offensive coordinator now occupies the opposing sideline, adding a little professional intrigue to Pittsburgh’s French excursion.
That familiarity creates an intriguing little chess match. Moore knows McCarthy’s offensive tendencies. McCarthy understands Moore’s schematic fingerprints. Neither will be operating with the luxury of complete surprise.
“He’s going to challenge us schematically,” McCarthy said. “This will be a big challenge really across the board.”
Paris provides the scenery.
Football supplies the unfinished business.
For linebacker Alex Highsmith, the trip offers something considerably more personal.
“I loved it,” Highsmith said of visiting Paris with his wife a couple of years ago. “I did a lot of the touristy stuff when I was over there, but you know I’m excited to head over there again.”
Not exactly the kind of itinerary you’d expect from a man paid to terrorize quarterbacks.
But Highsmith understands the distinction between enjoying Paris and treating an NFL road trip like a honeymoon.
“We also know it’s a business trip. We got to go over there and win a game,” Highsmith said.
There’s your French connection.
A city famous for romance welcoming a football team whose most passionate relationship remains with winning.
The NFL, meanwhile, sees something considerably bigger than a Sunday afternoon spectacle.
France represents another frontier in the league’s international land grab. More than 14 million French fans already follow American football, according to the NFL, with flag football programs introducing the sport to thousands of youngsters.
Sunday’s historic first regular-season game in France will unfold inside the Stade de France, with roughly 82,000 spectators expected.
The backdrop isn’t entirely champagne and croissants, either.
Recent unrest, riots and demonstrations over school conditions and living costs have complicated the festivities. French authorities are coordinating heightened security around the game, while NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed confidence in the preparations.
Paris knows how to stage a spectacle.
This particular one comes with considerably more baggage.
For McCarthy, the challenge is keeping Pittsburgh’s preparation intact despite an ocean, a six-hour time difference and an unfamiliar routine.
Highsmith, making only his second international NFL appearance after last season’s Dublin trip, sounds comfortable with the logistics.
“I’m a great traveler. I love traveling,” Highsmith said. “Hopefully, I can get some good sleep on the plane.”
Sleep might be the least glamorous ingredient in Pittsburgh’s pursuit of another victory.
The Steelers arrive 4-2, winners of two straight, with McCarthy trying to build something more substantial than another familiar Pittsburgh season of surviving Sundays without necessarily controlling them.
Moore’s Saints, sitting at 2-4, have their own reasons to spoil the party.
McCarthy knows Moore’s offensive imagination from their Dallas partnership. Familiarity provides insight, but it doesn’t guarantee answers once the helmets start colliding.
Highsmith, meanwhile, intends to enjoy whatever sightseeing the schedule allows.
“We’re going over there, going over to make it three in a row,” he said.
And that’s the delicious contradiction of this entire adventure.
The NFL wants Paris to fall in love with American football. The players want to experience one of the world’s most romantic cities. McCarthy wants another victory.
Three ambitions. One French afternoon.
The Eiffel Tower will still be standing Monday morning.
Pittsburgh would prefer to be standing at 5-2.
Au revoir, Pittsburgh. Bonjour, business.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
