SAINTS STAR DAVIS HEADED TO PARIS

All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis will be the star attraction amongst a New Orleans Saints contingent in Paris this week, as the NFL team aims to capitalise on both its exclusive marketing rights in France and recently-established links with European League of Football franchise Paris Musketeers.

Davis will be joined by owner Gayle Benson and other members of club management on a trip designed to strengthen the connection between the Saints and their fans in Europe, as well as extending beyond football to highlight the long-standing connection between France and the team’s home state of Louisiana in the hope of fostering a more beneficial relationship for both parties. The Saints are currently the only NFL organisation with marketing rights in France, a status many hope could lead to an International Series game in the country going forward.

“[Mrs Benson] is our best ambassador and her work with the NFL International committee allows her to not only promote the New Orleans Saints, but also economic development for our state,” Saints senior vice-president of communications Greg Bensel confirmed. “Her presence in Paris demonstrates her commitment to building relationships beyond our region and, during her visit, she will meet with top French CEOs, politicians, cultural leaders and ambassadors with one goal in mind: promoting the state of Louisiana and the city New Orleans.”

The delegation will attend a series of events throughout the visit, culminating with a cruise on the River Seine on Bastille Day (14th July). While Benson will be a latecomer to the party, Davis is scheduled to attend every event, beginning with a ‘meet-and-greet’ with fans at the New Orleans Saints Cafe. The 14-year veteran will also visit the U.S. Embassy as well as a flag football clinic organised by the Fédération Française de Football Américain (FFFA).

Both Benson and Davis are expected to be in the crowd at this weekend’s ELF game between the Musketeers and high-flying Vienna Vikings, during which the Saints are expected to launch a team-branded flag football programme in coordination with the Musketeers.

The event at the embassy, which takes place on Friday (11th July) will celebrate the partnership between the Saints, Musketeers and the FFFA by bringing together leading figures from the worlds of sports, diplomacy and business to highlight the growing role of American football in strengthening ties between France and the United States.

“We are extremely proud to support the international growth of American football and strengthen our connection with fans and partners in France,” Bensel admitted. “This partnership is a tremendous opportunity to share the spirit of the Saints with a new generation of athletes and fans, while affirming the lasting friendship between our two countries.”

Representatives from the three partner organisations will be joined by members of the Franco-American sports community, but the focus will remain solidly on football.

“The Paris Musketeers are honoured to play a central role in this historic partnership,” team CEO John McKeon confirmed. “With the support of the New Orleans Saints, and in collaboration with the FFFA, we are committed to developing American football at all levels in France and inspiring the next generation of players and fans. This event is a testament to the exceptional momentum surrounding our sport in Europe.”