The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently been awarded the rights to expand the Steelers brand and activities for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This has been done as a part of the NFL's "Global Markets Program" to expand the NFL into more than just the United States. With this, the possibilities are endless, but one of the big things that we could be seeing is having the Steelers play a game in Ireland.
Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wideout George Pickens (#14) celebrates his two-point conversion catch against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football.
But the game of American football is not uncommon in Ireland. In 1997, the Steelers faced off against the Chicago Bears at Croke Park, Dublin during a preseason game. This game was called "The American Bowl" and was the first and only NFL game to ever be played in Ireland. The Steelers would win the game as well with a score of 30 to 17.
The NCAA however, already has its foot in the door with Ireland. They host the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which plays at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. This year, the game will be played by Notre Dame and the Navy.
-544x306.jpg "Steelers Navy and Notre Dame Ireland")
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Aer Lingus College Football Series 2023 announcement that welcomes Notre Dame and the Navy to play American football in Dublin, Ireland.
In recent years, we have slowly seen the NFL develop into the international scene as they have hosted many games outside of the United States now, from England, Germany, Mexico, and now hopes of possibly bringing the NFL to Ireland. It has brought overwhelming success to the sport and has slowly brough interest from other countries.
The main reason for the Steelers' involvement is due to the deep roots that Steelers owner Art Rooney II has in Ireland. This pushes the Steelers to have things such as youth camps and merchandise sales in Ireland. Rooney would seem very excited to get the opportunity to connect with his roots.
"We are excited to have been granted the rights to engage more deeply with our fans in Ireland." Rooney would then say, "My family has deep roots throughout Ireland and being able to connect with our fans across the Island is something special to our organization. My father did so much in Ireland during his lifetime, first as one of the founders of the Ireland Funds, then as Ambassador. We look forward to growing our fan base and the love of American football in the years to come."
| Photo Credit: JORDAN SCHOFIELD / STEELERNATION (TWITTER: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers owner, Art Rooney II roams the sidelines prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers Are Excited To Gain This Partnership
As much as the Steelers are excited to gain this partnership with Ireland, they are not the only ones. Brett Gosper, the Head of NFL Europe & UK seemed to be thrilled about venturing into Ireland. He also feels that the Pittsburgh Steelers are a great fit to get to be the team that brings American football to Ireland.
"We are thrilled the Pittsburgh Steelers have been awarded the marketing and commercial rights to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland." He would then say, "With their deep roots and heritage, the Steelers make for a fantastic partner in helping to grow and engage with the passionate NFL fan base across the island of Ireland. Growing the game globally is a major strategic priority for the League and 32 clubs."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin during 2022 training camp.
As the game continues to grow, we could see more opportunities like this in the future and the possibility of seeing the black and gold in Ireland could all but come a reality.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Would you want the Steelers back in Ireland? Let me know in the comments below!
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