Daniel Rooney Detailed The Journey Behind The Steelers' First Ever Regular Season Game In Ireland

The Pittsburgh Steelers had been speculated to be playing the Ireland game for the 2025 season for quite some time now. On Friday morning, it was officially announced that the Steelers would be making history. The NFL selected the Steelers to be the first ever team to play a regular season NFL game in Dublin. 

The Steelers played a preseason game in 1997 in Ireland, but this will be the first regular season game. The 2025 NFL Dublin game will take place at Croke Park, the largest sporting arena in Ireland and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association, in partnership with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council.

Daniel Rooney, the Steelers' director of business development and strategy, played a major role in bringing the game to Dublin. His family’s deep ties to Ireland, combined with the Steelers' long-standing connection to the country, made Pittsburgh the ideal team for this historic event. The Rooney family has always embraced its Irish heritage, and this game further solidifies the bond between the Steelers and Ireland. Bringing an NFL regular season game to Dublin was no small feat, but Rooney was instrumental in making it a reality.

Speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, Rooney expressed his excitement about the Steelers’ involvement in the landmark event. He highlighted the significance of the game for both the NFL and Ireland, emphasizing how it would continue to grow the sport internationally.

"We have the same expectation we have for all of our games where black and gold shows up in a big way," Rooney said Friday. "The Terrible Towels will certainly make the trip across the pond to Croke Park and really put Pittsburgh and Steeler Nation on display for all to see. We believe we have the best fan base in football. We cannot wait for them to experience this international game in what we call our motherland for the Rooneys."

Rooney also acknowledged the collaborative effort between the Steelers, the NFL, and Irish officials in making the game possible. 

For Steelers fans, this marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their team play on Irish soil in a game that will count in the standings.

"It is a really special place in our hearts," Rooney said. "The fact that we can now bring the Pittsburgh Steelers there for a regular season game at the historic Croke Park is truly a dream come true for our franchise. We can’t wait to kick the game off."

Reports suggest that the game will likely be played in Week 4 on September 28. While the opponent has yet to be announced, the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks are considered the leading candidates. Many believe the Steelers will end up facing the Packers in what could be a highly anticipated matchup.

Steelers Could Take A Bye Week After Playing In Ireland

The Steelers will have the option to take their bye week immediately after playing in Ireland, though it’s not yet certain whether they will choose to do so. Given the travel demands, it seems likely they would opt for the bye, but nothing is set in stone. Regardless, Steelers fans are thrilled to see their team take part in an international game, marking another historic moment for the franchise.

The NFL has been committed to expanding its global presence, and hosting games in international markets is a key part of that effort. Bringing a regular season game to Ireland further strengthens the league’s international reach, and for Steelers fans, it’s an incredible opportunity to see their team make history on a global stage.

For the Rooney family, this is a dream come true. Their deep ties to Ireland make this game especially meaningful, and securing a regular season matchup in Dublin is a monumental achievement for them.

#SteelerNation