The NFL’s international ambitions reached a fever pitch this past Sunday as Dublin, Ireland, played host to a thrilling regular-season showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. In front of a record-breaking crowd of 74,512 at the historic Croke Park, the Steelers eked out a narrow 24-21 victory, capping off a weekend that blended American football spectacle with deep Irish cultural roots.
For Pittsburgh, the trip to Dublin was more than just a game—it was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Nearly three decades after their last appearance at Croke Park, a preseason bout against the Chicago Bears, the Steelers returned to Irish soil, this time for a high-stakes regular-season contest. The occasion carried special weight for the franchise, as the late owner Dan Rooney’s family hails from Newry, County Down. Throughout the week, the Rooney legacy was a recurring theme, with players and coaches paying homage to the family’s historical connection to Ireland.
The action on the field didn’t disappoint. The Steelers jumped out to a commanding 24-6 lead with just over 11 minutes left in the game, only to watch the Vikings mount a furious rally. Minnesota clawed their way back, narrowing the deficit to just three points and keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. While the Vikings’ comeback ultimately fell short, the drama ensured that the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Ireland would be remembered as a classic.
“It was a surreal experience,” said Greg Olsen, who called the game from the broadcast booth. Olsen, a former NFL star turned commentator, had brought his family to Dublin for the occasion, hoping to combine work with a bit of sightseeing and celebration. However, his journey home became a story of its own. “Long story short, delayed out of Dublin. Missed connection in London. No flights, had to book new trip to JFK on different airline. Took three hours, three different terminals to find our luggage. Then too late for that flight, rebooked on a later flight for JFK. Sitting on plane in morning in London and haven’t left yet. We took three trains, three buses, and walked four miles around Heathrow,” Olsen told Erin Andrews. “Everything possible went wrong for five hours.”
Despite the travel nightmare, Olsen’s spirits remained high. He won’t be making the trip across the Atlantic again this week, as he’s set to call the New York Jets versus Dallas Cowboys game at MetLife Stadium on October 5, partnering with Jason Benetti in the booth. Olsen’s post-retirement career has seen him form strong partnerships with play-by-play broadcasters like Joe Davis and Benetti, even as he eyes a return to the lead commentator role—a position he lost to Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion. “There’s no hard feelings,” Olsen has said of Brady taking over the top spot, but he’s made it clear he’d like another shot at the marquee assignment.
Back on the field, the Steelers’ victory in Dublin was powered by standout performances on both sides of the ball. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen continued his torrid start to the season, solidifying his status as the team’s MVP through four games. As highlighted by Steelers On SI reporter Jacob Punturi, “Over the first four weeks, his impact is showing up on the stat sheet and in other ways. He is tied with Payton Wilson for the most tackles on the team. Queen has 22 individual and 13 assisted tackles for 35 in three games, putting him on pace to exceed 115 total tackles for the fourth straight season.” Queen’s relentless play and leadership have transformed the Steelers’ defense into an elite unit, drawing praise from teammates and coaches alike.
But Queen isn’t the only Steeler making headlines. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, at 41 years old, has silenced doubters with a stellar start to the campaign. After arriving in Pittsburgh amid skepticism about his age and recent form, Rodgers has delivered in a big way. He’s currently tied for the fourth-most passing touchdowns in the league and is considered a strong candidate for what could be his fifth NFL MVP award. “He’s the heart and soul of a group that is still developing, all while making sure the Steelers win games,” noted one report. The only player ahead of him in the MVP race, at least for now, is Josh Allen.
On defense, the emergence of outside linebacker Nick Herbig has given head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin a tantalizing dilemma. With Alex Highsmith set to return, the Steelers must find a way to keep Herbig, Highsmith, and the ever-dominant T.J. Watt on the field together. “It’s not about benching Herbig or Highsmith, though, it’s about utilizing their talent as much as they can. Keeping Herbig and Highsmith on the field with Watt is going to be a game-changer for the Steelers,” analysts have observed. The coaching staff is hard at work devising schemes to maximize this embarrassment of riches at linebacker, a challenge most NFL teams would envy.
The significance of the Dublin game extended far beyond the scoreboard. For the NFL, it marked a major step in its international expansion, with Dublin joining London, Munich, and Frankfurt as European cities to host regular-season games. Berlin and Madrid are slated to join the list later this year, while the league has already staged contests in Brazil and Mexico, with eyes set on Australia and Asia in the near future. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed optimism about returning to Ireland, citing the overwhelming fan response and flawless execution of the event.
The atmosphere in Dublin was electric, with fans donning jerseys, waving “Terrible Towels,” and filling the streets from early morning. Local businesses embraced the American football theme, offering Pittsburgh favorites like Primanti Bros. sandwiches, while supporters discussed betting strategies and game predictions over pints. The NFL dubbed the occasion a “mini-Super Bowl,” and the city rose to the challenge, blending the traditions of American football with Irish hospitality and flair.
Of course, the event wasn’t without its challenges. The Vikings grappled with a delay-of-game penalty due to visibility issues and saw a key wide receiver lose his footing near the end zone. Off the field, some locals voiced concerns about hosting non-Gaelic games at Croke Park, and there were debates about government spending and respect for Irish sporting traditions. An incident involving the Steelers’ backup quarterback reportedly being robbed added a moment of controversy, though it did little to dampen the overall enthusiasm.
Players were effusive in their praise for the Dublin experience. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward remarked on the cultural and historical significance of playing at Croke Park, especially with the stadium’s famed Hill 16 temporarily converted for the game. Many players expressed hope that Dublin would become a regular stop on the NFL’s international calendar, citing the warmth and energy of the Irish fans.
As the Steelers return to the U.S. atop the AFC North with a 3-1 record and the Vikings regroup for their next London matchup, the NFL will now assess the success of its Irish adventure. With strong fan engagement, seamless logistics, and a memorable contest on the field, Dublin has made a compelling case for future games. Whether this is the beginning of a recurring tradition or a singular celebration, one thing’s for sure: the Emerald Isle has left its mark on the NFL’s global journey.
