How Mexico Has Become the International Home for Steeler Nation in 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Steeler Nation have long been one of the most popular franchises and fanbases in the NFL. Their popularity hasn’t been based solely in the United States however, as the team has a strong following in Mexico, and has for the past several decades. In 2001, the Steelers played a preseason game in Mexico City and was rewarded with love and support from their fans. Since then, the Steelers have made great strides in expanding fan opportunities for their Spanish speaking fans to participate and be included. The Mexican fans have shown an outpouring of love for these opportunities. One Pittsburgh player got to return the love during this year’s NFL Draft.

Najee Harris, the team’s first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was selected to announce the team’s fourth round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft from Mexico City. Harris also spent the rest of the weekend in Mexico City taking part in events with both fans and Steelers' influencers.

When asked about his experience, Harris responded saying:

"I wanted to explore Mexico City. I had never been out of the country, so I'm interested in learning about different cultures and food. The support there, that was crazy how big the Steelers are there. All the fans that showed up, every time I stepped out people recognized me, that was pretty dope. It was very exciting, such a big fan base."

One of the events that Harris took part in was hosting a youth sports camp at a local school. Apart from talking to fans and posing for photos, Harris really wanted to help introduce the game of football to hopefully inspire the future generation of fans.

"That was my favorite part about the trip," said Harris. "It was great to see how much they know about the sport; this was the best part."

Photo via Twitter.com/ohthatsNajee22

While Harris enjoyed the fruits of the hard work the team has made over the years with their international marketing campaigns, one must reflect on the beginning of their relationship with Mexico. The Steelers first saw a hint of Mexican fans in the 1970s when they became one of the NFL’s dominant franchises during the iconic Steel Curtain era, winning four Super Bowls from 1975-80. One specific title from that time that helped propel Pittsburgh to being the top team in Mexico was Super Bowl X. This game was important to both the Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys because during the 1970s, Dallas also had large following in Mexico. The winner of this matchup would garner a distinct edge in overall fan representation. The Steelers victory over the Dallas Cowboys helped to solidify the spot as the favorite team in Mexico.

Pittsburgh hasn’t played a game in Mexico in many years, but the idea has been floated. Steelers Vice President of Football and Business Administration, Omar Khan has been one of the biggest supporters for this endeavor. Khan was even quoted saying,

“The passion down there is amazing. They believe in black and Steeler gold down there.”

Steeler Nation international influence

In 2017, the Steelers hired Maria Rodriguez whose roll is to create Spanish language content for social media. Her current title is International Content Coordinator for the Steelers, and she was in Mexico for the 2022 NFL Draft to watch Harris announce the pick. Rodriguez also met with Mexican celebrity chef, Aquiles Chavez and local influencers. Rodriguez's outreach and activities to the Mexican fans broadens the fanbase in Mexico. No wonder there is a Mexican flag flown at almost every Steelers game. The team will continue its efforts in appealing to Spanish-speaking football fans in hopes of increasing the already strong relationship with their international branding.

Have you had any interaction with the Mexican fans? Let us know in the comments below!

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