A Game Steeped in Heritage

When the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers clash at Dublin’s Croke Park on September 28, 2025, it will mark more than just an NFL regular-season opener—it’s the culmination of a 100-year journey for the Rooney family.

Key Storylines:

• The Rooney Legacy: Art Rooney’s ancestors fled Newry during Ireland’s Great Famine, eventually founding the Steelers in 1933. Their $2,500 investment birthed a dynasty with six Super Bowl wins.
• Cultural Homecoming: "This isn’t just football—it’s about reconnecting with our roots," said Dan Rooney II, grandson of Hall of Famer Dan Rooney, during a community event in Belfast.
• Croke Park’s NFL Makeover: The iconic Gaelic games stadium, hallowed ground in Irish sports history, has been transformed with NFL-standard turf and seating for 55,000 fans.

From Steel City to Emerald Isle

The Steelers’ Dublin mission blends sport with social impact:

• $650M Ireland Funds: Established by Dan Rooney and Sir Anthony O’Reilly, this philanthropic network supports Irish communities globally.
• Grassroots Engagement: Flag football clinics in Belfast and scholarships for Newry students underscore the team’s commitment to Ireland.

Players Embrace the Moment

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reflected: "Walking where the Rooneys’ ancestors walked? That’s powerful. We’re playing for something bigger than stats." Coach Mike Tomlin added, "Ambassador Dan Rooney’s spirit is in every playcall this weekend."

By the Numbers

• 30,000+ International Visitors: Expected to flood Dublin, with 1 in 10 Americans claiming Irish heritage.
• 6th International City: Dublin joins London, Munich, and Mexico City in hosting regular-season NFL games.
• 1997 Throwback: The Steelers’ last Irish appearance was a pre-season game against the Bears at Croke Park.

The New International Era

NFL executive Peter O’Reilly (himself of Irish descent) sees this as a tipping point: "When you see the Steelers’ Terrible Towels waving beside Gaelic jerseys, you realize football’s global potential." With a multi-year Rio deal announced just hours before kickoff, the league’s international ambitions have never been clearer.

Coverage begins at 13:00 BST on BBC Sport, with live updates from Dublin’s transformed sporting cathedral.