The NFL is making history once again, this time by bringing a regular-season game to Ireland for the very first time.
While the league has previously hosted preseason matchups on Irish soil, the 2025 season will mark the first official game in the country’s capital, Dublin.
Steelers Set to Make History at Croke Park
As part of this landmark event, the Pittsburgh Steelers will serve as the designated home team when the game takes place at Croke Park.
This iconic stadium, known as Ireland’s largest sporting venue, will provide the perfect stage for what is expected to be an electrifying matchup.
A Deep Connection Between the Steelers and Ireland
For the Rooney family, who own the Steelers, this game holds a special significance.
Art Rooney II’s father, Dan M. Rooney, not only played a key role in the NFL but also served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012.
Additionally, he was a co-founder of the Ireland Funds charity, further strengthening the family’s ties to the country.
Pittsburgh is also one of the select few NFL teams to have previously played in Ireland, having faced off against the Chicago Bears in a 1997 preseason game as part of the American Bowl series.
NFL’s Commitment to Global Expansion
Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s Executive Vice President of International, League Events, and Club Business, expressed his excitement about the upcoming game.
“We are delighted to officially bring a regular-season NFL game to Ireland as part of our 2025 International Games slate.
Both the NFL and the Steelers franchise have deep roots and history in Ireland, and we’re looking forward to making our regular-season debut in Dublin.
This game will showcase our sport to a passionate Irish fan base and reinforce our commitment to global growth.”
Steelers Embrace the Opportunity
Steelers President Art Rooney II echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of the game for both the team and its growing Irish fan base.
“We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular-season game to be played in Ireland.
The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there, but also to play in front of our increasing number of Steelers fans in the country.
We are thrilled to represent Pittsburgh in this historic event.”
NFL’s Growing International Footprint
This game in Dublin is the latest addition to the NFL’s expanding International Series, which has already seen regular-season games played in England, Mexico, and Germany.
In 2024, Brazil also joined the list of host countries, marking another step in the league’s efforts to grow its presence worldwide.
With Ireland now entering the mix, fans around the globe can only wonder—where will the NFL go next?
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