Since the NFL International Series began back in 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the few franchises to stay on the fringes of the global showcase.
While the Jacksonville Jaguars have practically built a second home in London—playing at least once a year since 2013—the Steelers have only featured in one official International Series game. That came in 2013, when they suffered a 34-27 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings at Wembley Stadium.
Now, 12 years later, the Steelers are set for their second overseas clash—and, fittingly, it’s against the same Vikings—which adds an extra layer of intrigue in the NFL odds.
But this time, the game will be staged on very different ground. The two sides meet at Dublin’s iconic Croke Park.
That could play into Pittsburgh’s hands, with many eyeing up the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Minnesota Vikings odds to see just how much that ‘home field advantage’ could matter.
Why Dublin Feels Like Home for the Steelers
As soon as the NFL announced that Ireland would host its first International Series fixture, it seemed inevitable that the Steelers would be the designated home team.
The appetite for American football on the island has grown rapidly, with the Aviva Stadium regularly hosting college football clashes.
But an NFL regular-season game is an entirely different prospect, and it couldn’t be more fitting that Pittsburgh are the ones leading the way.
The Steelers have been here before. Back in 1997, they faced the Chicago Bears in a pre-season matchup at Croke Park, drawing a lively crowd and leaving a lasting impression.
For many Irish fans, it was their first taste of live NFL action—and now, almost three decades later, they’ll finally get to see Pittsburgh in competitive action on the same hallowed turf.
The Rooney Family Connection to Ireland
Pittsburgh’s Irish ties run far deeper than just football fixtures. The franchise’s founding family, the Rooneys, trace their roots back to County Down, with Dan Rooney—son of team founder Art Rooney—serving as U.S. ambassador to Ireland between 2009 and 2012.
The Rooney family has long embraced their heritage and played a pivotal role in encouraging the NFL to consider Dublin a viable International Series location.
For many Irish fans, this makes the Steelers more than just another NFL team—they’re the local choice. Pittsburgh represents a bridge between American football and Irish identity, and that will make Croke Park feel more like Acrisure Stadium when the game kicks off.
Building an NFL Fanbase in Ireland
The Steelers’ commitment to Ireland has only deepened in recent years. In 2023, the NFL granted Pittsburgh official marketing and commercial rights across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, paving the way for grassroots initiatives, youth programs, and an expanded fanbase.
The franchise has already capitalized, hosting sell-out Watch Parties in Dublin over the past two seasons.
Those events have shown just how strong the appetite for the NFL is across the island, and the Steelers have positioned themselves as Ireland’s team in the process.
With thousands of fans already wearing black and gold, the atmosphere at Croke Park is likely to be overwhelmingly pro-Pittsburgh when they step onto the field against Packers rival Minnesota—and that will likely make them favorites in the NFL odds.
A Potential New International NFL Home?
The Jacksonville Jaguars may have set the template for how an NFL franchise can embed itself abroad, but the Steelers could be the next to follow suit.
With their deep cultural and historical ties to Ireland and a growing base of passionate fans, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to return to Dublin again in the future.
If their reception this year is any indication, the Steelers could transform from a team rarely seen in the International Series into a regular feature.
For now, though, Irish fans will be savoring the chance to see their adopted hometown team in action—this time for real points on the line.