Aaron Rodgers threw his weight behind the NFL’s ambitious international expansion plans, explicitly endorsing the concept of a dedicated “International Week” following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ historic victory over the New Orleans Saints at the Stade de France. Speaking after the win, the veteran quarterback argued that teams should be mandated to arrive in host cities on Sunday or Monday prior to game day, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and build a stronger connection with the global fanbase.
Steelers QB urges mandatory pre-game city immersion as league eyes Tokyo expansion
The match in Paris served as a backdrop for a personal milestone, as Rodgers overtook Peyton Manning to claim the third-most touchdown passes in NFL history. This achievement capped a successful overseas campaign for the Steelers, who had previously made history in Dublin last year. The performance reinforced the league’s growing footprint in Europe, demonstrating that high-level NFL competition resonates strongly with international audiences beyond the traditional North American market.
With NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently revealing plans for a game in Tokyo in 2027 or 2028 and a long-term goal of 16 international games per season, Rodgers’ support signals player buy-in for the league’s global strategy. By comparing the potential NFL fanbase to the fervor seen in soccer’s World Cup, Rodgers highlighted the massive untapped market for American football, suggesting that increased cultural engagement through extended stays in host cities could be the key to unlocking that global passion.
Source: Sky Sports
