The Steelers In Ireland: Why It Makes Sense And Why It Doesn’t

Back in October, a lot of buzz was generated by the prospect of Ireland hosting an NFL game for the first time. The proposal was put to Pittsburgh Steelers' Art Rooney II, who suggested that a trip to the Emerald Isle might convince him to break his rule about not taking the Steelers abroad for the NFL’s “International Series” games. The Steelers have played one game abroad thus far, bucking the general trend of NFL teams. The Rooney Family’s links to Ireland are well known, and such a homecoming with the Steelers would be special for them. 

Of course, these are all hypotheticals at the moment. The Steelers have business at home this season. They are 6th overall in the latest NFL odds for February’s Super Bowl, so there is plenty to build on this season before considering the next. Yet, the prospect does have a certain allure for the franchise. Below, we will look at some of the reasons why it would be good for the Steelers and also why it wouldn’t:

A Chance to Play at Croke Park 

Croke Park in Dublin is one of the world’s great sports stadiums. Its history is wrapped up in Ireland’s struggle for independence, its culture, and even the local economy. It’s a kind of Mecca for Gaelic sports, and to be the first NFL team to play there would be an incredible honor for any team. Throughout the stadium’s history, the Gaelic Athletic Association has been reluctant to open Croke Park to ‘foreign’ sports, so it’s only been a rare occasion when the organization has relented. The Steelers, if participating, would be making a rare piece of history. 

A Chance to Grow the Steelers’ Fan base 

Ireland is growing as an NFL hub. The sport plays second fiddle to Gaelic football, hurling, and rugby, too, yet the interest in American football seems to be growing exponentially. It might not be on every Steelers fan’s list of priorities to expand the team’s fanbase outside the United States, but it won’t hurt the team’s financial health. Pittsburgh’s Irish connections, the links with the Rooney Family, and other factors could help grow an Irish fan base that is financially beneficial for the team.

Why It Doesn’t Make Sense

A Break with Tradition 

The Rooney Family isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, one must respect that they have thus far resisted the allure of the International Series regularly, playing one once in London back in 2013.  In an era where money is everything in sports, the Rooneys have been staunch in their assertions that the Steelers belong to the people of Pittsburgh. Yes, it would be an emotional homecoming for the Rooneys, yet what, in truth, does it give to the average Pittsburgh local? Moreover, there is always the chance that the International Series will continue to grow, with more and more games being held outside of the United States. 

An Unnecessary Distraction

The data on whether the trip across the Atlantic hurts teams' overall pursuit of the Playoffs is mixed. What is clear, however, is that the trip could cost the Steelers one home game in the regular season, which may count in the team’s overall record. Hopefully, the Steelers will be in contention again next season, and whatever way you look at it, a trip to Ireland wouldn’t help. Most teams take their bye week when returning from Europe, but that’s not always the case. You want your players to be 100% in a game of acceptable margins. Mike Tomlin would probably prefer keeping his players at home. 

Conclusion: A Subjective Hypothetical

Nothing is set in stone yet. It’s unclear whether there will be a game in Ireland, never mind if the Steelers will be there. You can appreciate the allure, and there are some big-picture elements for the Steelers tapping a new fanbase. Yet, it is admirable that the Steelers executives have mostly tried to avoid sending their team across the Atlantic. That counts for the local fans. We must see what happens, but it remains an intriguing possibility.