PITTSBURGH —
A Pittsburgh couple is traveling to Paris to cheer on the Steelers as they face the New Orleans Saints, combining their passion for football with the excitement of experiencing French culture.
“I think I’m going to walk into a Michelin-star restaurant and see people wearing Steelers hats — ‘Hey, I don’t want the booth. What is this? What’s that mean?’ — just all that kind of stuff, so it will probably be fairly entertaining as far as that goes,” John Biedrzycki said.
Biedrzycki and Rachel Wendling proudly carried their French-style Terrible Towels on the way to Paris. On one of their flights, they even decorated the plane with the black-and-gold staple. Before leaving, Biedrzycki’s Goldendoodle gave him a sendoff, representing the team’s colors.
The couple shared that the Steelers have won every game they’ve attended since they started dating.
“Whenever the Steelers win, I don’t celebrate. I’m just relieved,” Biedrzycki said with a laugh.
Wendling, who has worked in New York City with top fashion designers, is using the Paris trip as an opportunity to merge her love of fashion and football. She is working on her sketches and brainstorming ideas inspired by the experience.
“On our first date, he invited me to the pregame, so we went, and I thought to myself, there needs to be more outfits for women to wear to Steeler games,” Wendling said.
For Biedrzycki, the trip is particularly meaningful.
“The season tickets have been in my family since Three Rivers (Stadium) opened, and unfortunately, everybody passed away, so I’m the last one standing,” he said. “I was really excited about this game, and I was hopeful I could take somebody with me and I’m glad that Rachel is going to join me.”
The couple, who have visited Paris several times, are being cautious due to safety concerns but are focused on making memories.
The Steelers-Saints game will air live Sunday morning on WTAE Channel 4.