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NEW YORK -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday he has a high comfort level in the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers safely playing in Paris on Sunday in light of the civil unrest that could include more protests this weekend in the capital and elsewhere around France.
Goodell at the end of the annual fall owners meeting said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials are in touch with Parisian and French authorities.
"We've made all the preparations," Goodell said. "Protests are not unusual in France, as you know, and that's something that we will be aware of and make sure that the appropriate arrangements are made."
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in Versailles that the team's plans have not been affected by the situation. They have been in France since Monday after flying directly from the New York area after playing at the Giants, while the Steelers are set to travel Thursday night and arrive on Friday.
"We're continuing to make sure we have all the available information, make sure the appropriate steps are being made," he said. "We're guests in the country. We're going to be good guests, and we're going to do our thing. And I'm confident they're going to do theirs. We look forward to it, and I'm leaving shortly to go myself."
New Orleans safety Justin Reid said he and other players are not worried. He and some of his teammates got to check out the Eiffel Tower and a professional soccer game.
"It's been an exciting week," New Orleans wide receiver Devaughn Vele said. "I'm a big food guy, so I've been taking it all in. I couldn't even tell you what I've tried. I didn't even look at the names. I just try anything I can, trying to immerse myself in the culture."