Packers Fans in Paris are still recovering this Monday afternoon. Sunday started with pre-game drinks in Saint-Denis ahead first-ever NFL game in France. The 2:30 pm matchup featured the Aaron-Rodgers-led Steelers vs. the New Orleans Saints. Excitement levels were high! But what to wear? Green and Gold and Cheeseheads, what else? We must have been looking hot as the local student journalists jumped in our path and demanded an interview. We dutifully explained that Cheeseheads were a “symbol of pride” and extolled the virtues of bratwurst. Call it a cultural exchange.
Speaking of students, about half of the New Orleans supporters were current and former Tulane University students. We invited them to come around to O’Neil for round two once Rodgers took care of business against the Saints.
Lions vs. Packers started at 9:25 pm local requiring a small sieste to regroup and pass the time. The game was looking good with a robust crowd of local and visiting Packers supporters in the house at O’Neil. But the refs had clearly been paid off yet again as the slightest glancing blow was called for roughing the passer. An interception was wiped away by a nonsense defensive PI call. Intentional grounding that wasn’t was also flagged. An official even charged unnecessary roughness against the Green and Gold, tossing the yellow while lying on his back without even seeing the play! Add to that Trey Smack doing his best to imitate McManus by missing two FGs and the vomit-worthy result was sealed. Lions with a walkoff 20-17 win. Degoutant!
Next up, Thursday night versus the Panthers back at Lambeau with a 1:30 am Paris time (Friday) kickoff. We’ll be watching that one on replay. Go Pack!
