The Pittsburgh Steelers’ upcoming international game against the New Orleans Saints has sparked concerns about player and fan safety as riots rage on in Paris. With the NFL planning to move forward with the Week 7 matchup, questions are growing over whether it should be business as usual.

The debate gained attention after Dani Watt, the wife of Steelers star T.J. Watt, questioned the league’s decision on social media. Her reaction quickly drew support from fans who believe the safety of players, their families, and traveling supporters should come before the league’s international expansion plans.

Dani Watt Questions NFL’s Decision on Steelers-Saints Amid Paris Unrest

The controversy grew when Dani, a former NWSL player, shared a screenshot of a CBS report on her Instagram Story. The report stated that the NFL intended to continue with plans for the Steelers-Saints game despite the unrest in Paris.

Dani responded with a pointed six-word question: “Tell me how this makes sense???”

Her post struck a chord with fans who are concerned about sending teams and supporters into a city experiencing civil unrest.

One fan questioned the risks facing supporters who travel to Paris for the game. “It doesn’t make sense. Maybe the players will all be ok with a massive security detail. But why risk it? And what about fans and family? How are they going to get safely to/from the game and around town? It’s NOT worth the risk.”

Another supporter called on Pittsburgh to take a stand, writing, “Steelers should refuse to go. Good for her.”

Others suggested that financial interests were driving the league’s decision, with one commenter stating, “It’s all about greed. They don’t care about the players.”

Yinzer G Raises Concerns About Traveling Steelers Fans

Steelers media personality Yinzer G also weighed in, agreeing with Dani’s concerns while highlighting the potential risks for supporters traveling to France.

“I agree with TJ’s wife’s sentiment,” Yinzer G said. “The issue probably won’t be with the team, although it’s not out of the question, but the fans traveling there are 100% in danger. They won’t have NFL and government security.”

The game at Stade de France marks a high-profile milestone in the NFL’s global expansion push.

That said, the riots have affected parts of Paris and other French cities, prompting localized curfews and additional police deployments. Stade de France is located in Saint-Denis, outside central Paris.

NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said Tuesday that officials are working with French authorities and the U.S. State Department and have not considered relocating the game. Those assurances have not eliminated concerns among some Steelers supporters. With fans traveling internationally and the teams preparing to take the field, the NFL faces heightened scrutiny over its ability to manage the event safely.

For now, the matchup remains on schedule, and league officials say preparations are proceeding without disruptions at NFL event sites.