The Pittsburgh Steelers have been rumored to be playing the first-ever regular season game in Ireland for quite some time. The Rooney family had not been interested in taking the Steelers abroad for the international series, but their connection to Ireland and the noise about the NFL wanting to host games in that region have caused a stir, making it seem likely that the Steelers will be heading to Ireland for a game. The Steelers actually played in Ireland against the Chicago Bears in the preseason American Bowl in 1997. However, this would be the first official regular season game in Ireland.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Owner Art Rooney II looks on before a home game in the Steel City.
The game hasn’t been officially announced, but on Wednesday, Steelers fans got more insight into a possible game in Ireland. Political Correspondent Gavan Reilly took to social media to provide an update about the Steelers and Ireland. Reilly revealed that Irish government officials have been in talks with the NFL, confirming that discussions are happening behind the scenes.
He noted that there is significant interest in making the game a reality, and the Steelers' deep-rooted ties to Ireland make them the ideal team to feature in such a historic event. While there’s still no official confirmation, Reilly’s update adds more credibility to the growing speculation that the Steelers will be part of the NFL’s expansion into Ireland.
Cabinet is being briefed on the possibility of a regular season NFL game being played in Croke Park this autumn. Contract negotiations are ongoing for a Pittsburgh Steelers fixture, most likely against the Green Bay Packers, possibly to be announced in time for Super Bowl weekend
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 5, 2025
If it gets announced that the Steelers are heading to Ireland to play the Green Bay Packers, it would mark a monumental moment for both the Steelers and Irish fans. The team has a massive following in Ireland, thanks to the Rooney family’s Irish heritage, and bringing the Steelers to Dublin would be a full-circle moment in NFL history. With momentum building and key officials involved in discussions, it seems like only a matter of time before Steelers fans get the official word on a game in Ireland.
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Steelers' Miles Killebrew high fives Pittsburgh fans after a home game.
The game is expected to take place during the 2025 NFL season and would be hosted at Croke Park, one of the most historic and prestigious sporting stadiums in the world. This iconic venue has a deep connection to Irish sports and culture, making it a fitting location for such a monumental event.
If the game is finalized, it would mark the Steelers' first time playing an NFL game in Europe since the 2013 season. Longtime Steelers insider Gerry Dulac initially reported on this possibility back in December, stating that if the Steelers do indeed play in Ireland, it would officially count as one of their nine home games for the season.
Steelers Likely To Be Announced As Ireland Game Participant Soon
According to Reilly, the official announcement is expected to come around Super Bowl weekend, which is rapidly approaching. With the anticipation building, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of what would be a historic moment for the franchise.
While some fans may be disappointed about losing a home game at Acrisure Stadium, the opportunity to see the Steelers take the field in Ireland would be an unforgettable experience and a special nod to the team's deep Irish roots.
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A plethora of Steelers fans wave the famous Terrible Towel during a home football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
If the game is officially announced, it will further solidify the Steelers’ connection to Ireland and could open the door for more international games in the future. With the NFL’s continued push to expand its global presence, playing in Ireland would not only be a significant moment for the Steelers but also a major milestone for the league as it looks to grow its fan base worldwide. Steelers fans will be waiting to see who they will face off against in Ireland and when.
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