Paris Musketeers team sees NFL game as a chance to boost American football in France

Hugo Tekedam hopes Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers provides inspiration to French youngsters.Tekedam plays for the Paris Musketeers and though he’s a star wide receiver, he knows he’s probably past the point of having NFL dreams. But he’s hopeful for the next generation.“It’s a great opportunity. You’ve got to get the people interested,” the 24-year-old Tekedam said.American football is barely on the French sports radar, which is dominated by soccer. Other sports like rugby, basketball, cycling and tennis also are popular.The Saints-Steelers game could nudge the sport forward as well as shine a light on the Musketeers, who bill themselves as France’s first fully professional American football team.The Musketeers play in the European Football Alliance, which recently completed its inaugural season.“What we have experienced the last four years, once you get somebody interested, they remain interested,” Musketeers general manager John Booker said. “The