Aaron Rodgers keeps a book on his shelf titled 'A Magnificent Obsession', a title that carries both irony and humour when applied to his own enduring relationship with American football. The game he cannot abandon is one he has committed to leaving behind when this season concludes—his final campaign in a Hall of Fame career that has spanned 22 years.
According to Sky Sports, the 42-year-old quarterback will lead Pittsburgh Steelers out as the centrepiece attraction when they face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL's inaugural Paris game at Stade de France on Sunday. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Rodgers in Green Bay, noted that the most obvious difference in the quarterback now compared to their time together is the additional grey hairs.
Rodgers reflected on his twilight years in the sport with characteristic wit and philosophical acceptance.
To steal a line from one of my all-time favourite movies, 'Obsession is a young man's game'. And the NFL is the young man's game. I'm hanging on and enjoying this last one.
The four-time MVP has frequently described his later career as being on the proverbial 'back nine' of his NFL journey, navigating the peaks and valleys that the sport has presented. When pressed on exactly where he stands now, he offered a more precise assessment.
I think I'm on the 18th green!
Through Pittsburgh's opening six games, Rodgers has accumulated 1,487 passing yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions as the Steelers sit at 4-2. His reunion with McCarthy came after Mike Tomlin's departure from the franchise. While his pursuit of a second Super Bowl ring has not unfolded as initially envisioned, Rodgers has made peace with what awaits him beyond this season.
I've given a lot to this game, the game has given me a lot in return. I've got zero qualms about this being the end, zero fears about what's next. I'm just trying to live in the moment and enjoy this time with these guys.
The quarterback has long seized opportunities to experience different parts of the world through football. Last year he was instrumental in advocating for Pittsburgh's historic appearance in Dublin, and now he prepares to be part of another milestone for the NFL's international expansion.
There's definitely only one moment in France. I'm going to enjoy this for the next couple of days. It's fun to be out here. It's fun to be a part of the first. As you get older you don't get a lot of firsts. To be in the first game in Paris is special.
Rodgers emphasised the broader significance of the NFL's global reach and the fleeting nature of such opportunities.
That's part of the game; that's the beauty of the game. It's going to keep on rolling. You're going to be here for a short time. You've got to enjoy it. Because you never know when it's going to be done. We've all been blessed. I'm just thankful for the game and the places it's taken me. We've been to a lot of different countries now to play games.
For Rodgers, this return to Paris carries personal resonance. During a previous visit to the French capital, he was mobbed by Packers fans after entering the WOS Bar, a reminder of the global reach of his fame. The Steelers arrived in Paris on Friday morning following a red-eye flight from Pittsburgh, while New Orleans, designated as the home team for this fixture, arrived on Monday.
The timing of international travel has been a recurring theme for Rodgers.
I've played in three countries now, and each of them we've left on Thursday early evening. Would have been nice one time to come over on a Monday.
The Saints seek redemption in historic setting
New Orleans enters the Paris contest seeking to make their own mark on NFL history. According to CBS Sports, the Saints defeated the Giants 34-27 the week before the Paris game, giving them momentum heading into the international fixture. However, their season record stands at 2-4, and they have struggled at home with a 0-3 record in New Orleans this season.
Running back Alvin Kamara has expressed his desire for the Saints to claim victory and secure their place in the historic moment. Quarterback Tyler Shough, despite playing with two broken bones in his hand, accounted for four touchdowns in the Giants victory, demonstrating the resilience required at this stage of the season.
Pittsburgh's path to Paris has been more successful. The Steelers defeated Tampa Bay 26-19 in their previous outing, extending their winning form. The head-to-head history between these franchises slightly favours New Orleans, who lead the all-time series 9-8, though Pittsburgh won their most recent meeting 20-10 in November 2022.
What happens next
The Steelers and Saints are scheduled to play on Sunday, October 25, at 9:30 a.m. ET, which translates to 2:30 p.m. local time at Stade de France. The game will be broadcast on NFL Network and NFL+, allowing fans across multiple platforms to witness this landmark fixture in the league's international expansion strategy.
