Antoine Griezmann played a direct role in bringing the NFL to France ahead of the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers matchup at the Stade de France, while also floating a surprise future career path for Harry Kane, SO FOOT.com reported.
Antoine Griezmann Lobbies the NFL and France for Paris Game
The National Football League is hosting its first match in France this Sunday, pitting the New Orleans Saints against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France with a local kickoff time set for 2:30 PM. That fixture materialized in part due to off-field lobbying by Antoine Griezmann, the 2018 World Cup champion. Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, Griezmann detailed how he used his platform to advocate for the host city.
I asked if I could help, and I made some calls here and there,
Griezmann told Le Parisien. I told France that the NFL was doing things right. And I told the NFL that Paris was one of the best possible destinations and that the French were going to love this event.
The staging of the game also highlights international pathways in the sport. Max Iheanachor, who spent his youth playing football in Nigeria, is set to step onto the field at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Harry Kane Pondering a Future as an NFL Kicker
Beyond the Paris fixture, Griezmann turned his attention to football stars who might eventually cross over to American football. Griezmann suggested that Harry Kane could make a successful transition to the NFL as a kicker once his soccer career concludes.
It’s a position where you really need a big leg and a good shot. I think Harry Kane has both,
Griezmann said. I think he can do it, and it would be really exciting to see Harry Kane kicking in the NFL. It would even be my number one choice in my fantasy league!
Kane has recognized that he would like to retrain as a kicker when he is finished with soccer. With his contract ending in June, speculation surrounding the striker’s long-term athletic future continues to circulate.
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