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‘Get Rid of These Games,’ ‘NFL Doesn’t Care About Players’ — Fans React to D.K. Metcalf’s Lack of Interest in International Matchups
Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) looks on before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. © Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) looks on before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. © Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

D.K. Metcalf doesn’t need suggestions for the NFL’s next overseas destination. He would happily keep his football travel within the United States.

The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver made that preference clear ahead of the team’s Paris matchup against the New Orleans Saints. His answer quickly became a talking point for fans who have had enough of the league’s international schedule.

D.K. Metcalf Gives Blunt Answer About Playing Overseas

Asked whether there was another country where he would like to play an international game, Metcalf offered a straightforward response.

“No, sir, because I really don’t like traveling outside the U.S. to play football,”Metcalf said, according to Chris Adamski.

There wasn’t much room for a tourism pitch after that.

Pittsburgh is preparing for its second consecutive season with an overseas appearance, having played in Dublin last year. This trip also comes amidsecurity concerns surrounding the Paris game, with the NFL arranging heightened protection for the Steelers-Saints matchup.

Metcalf’s answer addressed his general dislike of traveling abroad for football. He did not specifically cite those security concerns as the reason for his preference. Some fans nevertheless saw his response as an opening for a much broader conversation.

“NFLPA needs to stand up and get rid of these games,”one fan wrote.

Another supporter believed Metcalf’s answer would find plenty of agreement inside NFL buildings. “DK speaks for roughly 99 percent of players and probably coaches also,”the supporter wrote.

That percentage was the commenter’s estimate. Metcalf spoke for himself, and his answer alone cannot establish how the rest of the league feels.

Fans Question the NFL’s Priorities With International Games

Other reactions focused on why the league continues taking regular-season games overseas.

“Truth…league has to be doing it solely for the $$$…insane,”one fan wrote.

“Every single player says this and the nfl continues to push international games,”another fan added.

A separate response took an even harsher view of the league’s priorities. “The NFL doesn’t care. They take the circus on the road to show off their gladiators to the world elites. Look how they did Jalen,”the user wrote.

Those comments reflect fans’ frustrations with the international schedule. Metcalf’s own remarks were narrower, expressing a personal preference about where he wants to work.

His next assignment remains helping Pittsburgh against New Orleans. Metcalf currently ranks 44th inPFN’s NFL WR Impact rankings with a 73.6 grade, totaling 30 catches for 318 yards and one touchdown through six games.

The receiver has a game to prepare for and another flight home afterward. If the NFL eventually asks him to nominate a future international host, it already has his answer.

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