Running back Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints arrived in Paris ahead of the franchise’s upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France, bringing with them a mix of local sightseeing, milestone reflections, and early talks about the 2028 Summer Games.
Kamara Sets Sights on Historic Win in Paris
The Saints are preparing for the first-ever regular-season NFL game in France, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, streaming live on DAZN via NFL Game Pass. While the trip has included visits to iconic Paris landmarks and a Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, Kamara made it clear that the excursion will only be a success if New Orleans leaves with a victory.
"We are going to be a part of history,"- Alvin Kamara on the #Saints playing the first @NFL game in Paris @NFLFrance | @StadeFrance pic.twitter.com/LOEKgLUyAC
“È un’opportunità per tutti noi. Voglio vincere,” Kamara stated through club availability, emphasizing his desire to cement the Saints into history as the winners of the inaugural NFL Paris Game.
The trip coincides with a major statistical milestone for the veteran running back. Kamara recently became just the sixth player in NFL history to record 5,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. Reflecting on the accomplishment, he joked that he is getting nearly as old as teammate Cam Jordan before turning serious about the grind required to sustain production at a high level.
Olave Evaluates Olympic Flag Football Prospects
Wide receiver Chris Olave used the international trip to look far beyond the current NFL schedule, acknowledging a genuine interest in representing the United States in flag football at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Non-contact flag football will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games, opening the door for active NFL stars to participate.
“È un’opportunità unica nella vita. Se si presenta l’occasione, probabilmente ci andrò,” Olave said of the potential Olympic opportunity, though he noted that no formal commitments have been made.
Next Stop: Paris 🇫🇷
Away from the field, Olave’s Parisian wardrobe choices drew lighthearted teasing from Kamara during team outings. The squad’s downtime also featured center Erik McCoy praising a local steak and potatoes dish alongside Parisian éclairs, while defensive end Cam Jordan participated in a youth flag football clinic near the Eiffel Tower, introducing the sport to local children.
Shough Prepares for Stade de France Routine
Quarterback Tyler Shough is utilizing previous familiarity with the French capital after having visited the Stade de France earlier in March alongside teammate Taliese Fuaga. While the prior reconnaissance helps remove some logistical surprises, Shough noted that his game-day routine remains focused on football mechanics rather than sightseeing.
Inside the stadium locker rooms, Shough expressed awe at the historical tributes honoring French national football team stars Kylian Mbappé and Paul Pogba. On a practical level, the quarterback has spent the week mapping out stadium sightlines, play clock placements, and environmental factors required to manage the offense on Sunday.
Prodigy Mentorship Ahead of Sunday Kickoff
During the Parisian media availability, Kamara also addressed the rising talent of David Gabriel Georges, a five-star running back prospect from Quebec who plays at the Baylor School in Chattanooga and has verbally committed to the University of Tennessee for the class of 2027. Having met the young prospect and his family on multiple occasions, Kamara praised the high schooler’s explosive running style, physical power, and advanced dedication to nutrition and recovery.
“Spero che tu sia migliore di me,” Kamara said, offering encouragement to the young Canadian prospect who is set to follow his path into the Volunteers program.
The Saints will conclude their European preparations on the practice field before taking the field Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Stade de France to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.