The Pittsburgh Steelers completed an abbreviated Wednesday practice as they prepare for the NFL’s first-ever game in Paris this Sunday.
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The upcoming contest will mark Head Coach Mike McCarthy’s first international game as a head coach. The team is managing adjusted preparation routines and travel planning ahead of crossing the Atlantic.
Preparations for the trip have involved additional planning and extra conversations, particularly concerning the environment surrounding the game.
Players speaking in the locker room on Monday shared their excitement about participating in the league’s inaugural game in Paris while emphasizing the importance of staying safe.
McCarthy addressed the challenges of international travel, noting that traveling creates stress whether taking a shorter trip like last week’s game in Tampa or flying across the Atlantic.
To mitigate those demands, the team is focusing on travel timing, obtaining extra sleep ahead of the flight and staying hydrated.
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McCarthy emphasized the team’s organizational focus and professional objective for the journey.
“You know, just make sure we’re making this as smooth as, smooth and safe as we possibly can,” McCarthy said. “And just, you know, they have confidence in our plan and we’re obviously doing all the little things that help us prepare. Because the most important thing for us professionally is to go over there and come back five and two.”
The Steelers will hold one final practice before departing for France on Thursday night ahead of Sunday’s game.
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