Black Americans in France is an ongoing series highlighting African Americans living abroad during the 2024 Paris Games. In this article, we delve into the experiences of three African American football players – Austin Mitchell, David Richardson II, and Chandler Jones – who are part of the Paris Musketeers football team in Paris during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Paris Musketeers, coached by American Marc Mattioli, are a part of the European League of Football, a 17-team American football league with teams across Europe. Each roster can have a maximum of four American players, and Mitchell, Richardson, and Jones are former American college football stars who now play for the Musketeers.
Jones, a defensive back from Miami, Mitchell, a wide receiver from Louisiana, and Richardson, a defensive back from Texas, all share their journeys of how they ended up playing professional football in Paris. Their experiences range from training for the XFL and Canadian Football League to receiving unexpected opportunities to play in Europe.
Living in team housing about 30 minutes south of Paris, the Musketeers play their home games at the 20,000-seat Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris. The stadium is located near other famous athletic venues like Parc des Princes and Roland Garros Stadium. Due to the Olympics, the Musketeers were scheduled to play five consecutive road games.
In a Q&A session, Jones, Mitchell, and Richardson share their experiences as African Americans playing American football in Paris. They discuss the competition in Europe, the challenges they face on and off the field, and what it’s like being African American in Paris. They also talk about the cultural exchange with their African teammates and the support they receive from the local fans.
The players describe the atmosphere at a Paris Musketeers home football game, likening it to a soccer match with enthusiastic fans and a vibrant energy. They also reflect on their experiences during the Olympics in Paris and how being athletes in the city adds to the excitement and busyness of the event.
When asked about what advice they would give to football players considering playing professionally in Europe or France, Jones emphasizes the life-changing experience, Mitchell encourages embracing change and taking risks, and Richardson stresses the importance of being positive and looking at the bigger opportunities beyond just playing football.
Overall, the article provides a detailed and engaging look into the lives of African American football players in Paris, shedding light on their unique experiences, challenges, and successes in a foreign country during a major sporting event like the 2024 Paris Olympics.