Steelers Face Vikings in NFL's First Regular-Season Dublin Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a landmark NFL regular-season game against the Minnesota Vikings to be played at Dublin's Croke Park, marking the league's first-ever regular-season game in Ireland. The game holds special significance for the Rooney family, longtime owners of the Steelers, who have deep Irish roots and a personal connection to Croke Park, with the late Dan Rooney having been involved in the stadium's redevelopment and a passionate GAA fan. Steelers legends Jerome Bettis and Ike Taylor participated in youth football clinics in Belfast alongside Rooney family members, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and honoring Irish heritage. The Steelers have chosen to stay at the luxurious Carton House resort, providing them with top-notch facilities and practice fields while minimizing travel fatigue ahead of the game. Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the trip as a business endeavor focused on winning rather than dwelling on history, though the heritage and pride associated with the game are acknowledged as motivational factors. Fans and players alike are embracing the trip as a meaningful celebration of family, culture, and football.