"We’re Getting Close To That": Aaron Rodgers Backs NFL’s International Expansion As Cam Heyward Calls Out League's Money Game

Aaron Rodgers and Cam Hayward have contrasting views on the league’s overseas plans.© NDTV Library

Aaron Rodgers, the popular Steelers QB, isn't hiding what he thinks about the NFL taking more games overseas. The star QB sees a big business opportunity as the league looks to grow its international schedule. His teammate Cam Heyward isn't quite as excited. With the Steelers set to confront the Saints in Paris on Oct. 25, Heyward has raised concerns about player safety. The two Steelers have made their positions clear, and their different remarks sort of provide the glimpse of debate surrounding the NFL's global push.

Aaron Rodgers Sees More Money In NFL's Global Plans

During a presser in Paris on Friday, the veteran discussed the possibility of the NFL sending every team abroad during the same week.

“There was talk about  an international week, where every team played out of the country, and we're getting close to that,” Rodgers said.

He also talked about possible destinations, including Canada, Mexico, South America and several European countries. Australia has already joined the list. The LA Rams and the Niners played the NFL's first regular-season game in Melbourne in Sept. 2026.

Rodgers was pretty direct about what could drive the league's next move.

“The league has a pretty far reach and there's more coin to be made, they're going to look into it,” he added during the press conference.

His comments came after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the possibility of bringing a regular-season game to Tokyo. During the NFL Daily podcast, Goodell said Japan remained on the league's list, with a game potentially coming in 2027 or 2028.

The NFL has nine international games scheduled for 2026. Executive Vice President Peter O'Reilly has also said the league is considering raising that number to 10 next season.

Cam Heyward Isn't Sold On The NFL's International Push

Much different from Rodgers, Heyward has an entirely different standpoint to the matter. In a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show ahead of the Paris game, the DT opened up about the team's safety and the need to stay alert during the trip.

“NFL does feel comfortable in sending us over,” Heyward said. He asked teammates to avoid travelling alone, stick together and stay close to their group.

After that he opened up about his assessment and said, “The NFL likes money, so we're not looking for that opportunity.”

His comments come amid protests in France over living costs and public spending. 

Sunday's Steelers-Saints matchup will mark the NFL's first regular-season game in France. The league gets another chance to grow its international audience. But Heyward's standpoint kind of proved that not everyone is focused on the business side of the trip.