Though tourism opportunities were limited, Steelers enjoy their stay — and win — in Paris

PARIS — Jaylen Warren checked quite a few boxes during his weekend trip overseas.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running back got to spend time with some family. He was able to do a little sightseeing. He even had a 100-yard rushing game.

Most importantly, he helped his team earn a win.

But Warren had one regret about his 56 hours or so in France’s capital.

“I really wanted to see the Eiffel Tower,” Warren said after the Steelers’ 16-10 win against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France. “I haven’t got to see that yet.

“I might have to come back.”

Most associated with the Steelers likewise want to come back after they took part in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris. Though the weekend was not without its anxiety — protests across the city and all of France had at times turned violent in recent weeks — the Steelers enjoyed what was their third international regular-season game in franchise history.

“I just thought the whole atmosphere, the field, the stadium, was impressive,” Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said. “Top-notch. It’s been a joy to play here.”

Though the Saints arrived in Paris early Monday, the Steelers chose to stay in Pittsburgh until after Thursday’s practice. They arrived to their hotel late Friday morning and worked out in the hotel ballroom because a wind storm compelled McCarthy to cancel that day’s practice.

With protests planned for Saturday, the Steelers urged players after practice to stay within close proximity of their hotel in the heart of Paris. That limited tourism opportunities, but many players still made their way through town Friday.

“We got out a little bit,” guard Mason McCormick said. “Ultimately, we were here to win a game, though. And so it was an awesome (trip). I got to see a couple cool things (in Paris).”

After spending 22 seasons in the NFL, star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was too savvy to earnestly answer a question about if the Steelers’ Paris experience was better than that of their game in Dublin last year. They also won that one, 24-21 against the Minnesota Vikings.

“I prefer the Guinness to any of the beers in France,” Rodgers said, referencing the beer ubiquitously associated with Ireland. “No offense.”

“We had a great time in Ireland — a fantastic time,” Rodgers continued. “And we had a great time here.”

So did tens of thousands of Pittsburghers, as well as probably about that many Steelers fans from all other parts of the globe. Steelers jerseys and Terrible Towels were impossible to miss all over Paris throughout the weekend.

That was reflected, of course, in the 80,000-seat Stade de France during the game Sunday. However, unlike last year when Dublin’s Croke Park might as well have been Acrisure Stadium, on Sunday there was also a large contingent of Saints fans on hand.

This was likely in part because the Saints have marketing rights to France and they were the designated “home” team Sunday, whereas the Steelers had those factor in their favor last year.

“The fans were absolutely incredible,” Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt said. “Obviously, two totally different situations (from last year in Dublin).

“But our fans always show up. I don’t know why we’re surprised when we come to Europe and it’s Steeler Nation so strong.”

No poll — as unscientific as it would have been — was taken during Sunday’s game to measure the presence of each team’s fanbases. The in-game announcers and scoreboard did, however, at one point elicit cheers to measure if fans were residents of the U.S. or France.

The American contingent sounded much louder. And odds are that most of the tourists from the U.S. had more than the one full, dawn-to-dusk day to enjoy in Paris than the Steelers players did (Saturday).

This was much to Rodgers’ chagrin; he openly lamented that the Steelers did not spend more time across the proverbial pond.

That decision was McCarthy’s, one he says he does not regret — especially so, after his itinerary produced a victory.

After all, this was a business trip. The time for a romantic getaway to the City of Light can come later.

“France is a beautiful place,” McCarthy said. “This is my first time here. I would love the opportunity some day to come back and enjoy it. My wife loves Paris. It’s a beautiful country.”