Steelers’ Cam Heyward Sends Eager Message To Art Rooney II

With the recent NFL schedule release, the Pittsburgh Steelers now know when they play all of their 2026 opponents. They also learned that they would officially play another international game, this time in Paris, France, against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. In 2025, during Week 4, the team traveled to Dublin, Ireland, to play the Minnesota Vikings, a game they would go on to win. Now, the Saints are their next international opponent and, this time, they will be considered the visiting team. With the Steelers having a worldwide fan base, the game in Dublin felt like a home game away from home; Paris could very well be the same. 

When Week 4 came around for the Steelers in 2025, they didn't really travel to Dublin early to experience a new country and acclimate. The group arrived late on the Thursday before the game, which was played on Sunday. 

It all worked out in the end, but leaving a little earlier could have benefited the Steelers tremendously. With the Paris trip so far away, it's yet to be determined when the Steelers will leave for the event, but one Steelers player shared his take on when the team should travel. 

Steelers’ defensive lineman Cam Heyward recently appeared on an episode of his show, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, where he talked about the team's recent schedule release. Heyward was asked if he believes the traveling arrangements will be different with a new staff. He gave his eager take on the matter and mentioned that he wants the team to get there as soon as possible.

"I don't know how McCarthy and staff are gonna do it, but we'll be ready," Heyward stated. "Personally, I'd like to fly as soon as we can to Paris, get settled in. I definitely think we flew a little but earlier this time around to Ireland, which I think benefited us."

In Ireland, the Steelers played one of their most complete games, then had to hang on in the end due to injuries in the secondary. The earlier the team gets to Paris, the better, as seeing the field the collective will be playing on and getting a feel for the atmosphere only helps them prepare. Hopefully, Art Rooney II can get his team to France as soon as time allows. He wasn't able to do it for the trip to Ireland. Perhaps, he can redeem himself when they eventually leave for France.

With the Steelers' global popularity, this will likely happen more and more, with the team traveling internationally to play football in front of other fans. Last season was their first official international game since the series began in 2009; now they will be playing on foreign soil for a second consecutive season. So far, they are 1-0 in these games and maybe the franchise can start a new streak that carries on into seasons to come. 

Steelers Definitely Need A New Streak

Since 2003, the Steelers haven't had a losing season, a streak once admired, but it now feels like more like their downfall. Mike Tomlin led 19 straight non-losing seasons, but didn't win a playoff game in his final eight seasons. Now that blemish is what the sports world harps on, it may be time for them to start a new streak. They won their first international game, and unless disaster strikes, they can very easily win their second, with the Saints being a weaker opponent. 

If the Steelers do end up playing in an international game at least once every season, they will be able to maintain an undefeated streak as long as the team can handle its business. With the NFL trying to expand its games around the world, the Steelers are sure to be among the teams often sent to foreign soil, and perhaps they can make it iconic in their own way. 

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