Steelers Rumors: PIT ‘Prime’ for Ireland Game on Future International NFL Schedule

Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers might want to get their passports in order.

With the NFL looking to expand its International Series, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday the Steelers “are a prime candidate to be featured” when the league stages its first game in Dublin, Ireland.

Henry Hodgson, the general manager for the league’s United Kingdom office, told Associated Press’ Ken Maguire in May the league was looking into Dublin as a host city for the International Series.

“There’s a feasibility study, as we would call it, in a number of different European cities and Dublin is one of those,” Hodgson said. “Looking at the stadiums, taking local meetings … we’ll take away all of that information, digest it and determine what the next steps are.

“That’s something that’s happening in Dublin, it’s happening in Paris for example, and a number of other cities around the world as well.”

The Rooney family traces its roots to Northern Ireland and the connection has remained strong long after the Rooneys settled in Pittsburgh.

“This blue collar approach my great grandfather started, was carried on by my grandfather, Dan Rooney, who many in this room remember fondly today,” Daniel Rooney said at a 2023 press conference. “Ireland was a significant part of my grandfather’s life in particular. The pride he held for his Irish heritage led him to co-found The Ireland Funds. My family and the Steelers organization still continue to support the Funds and the pillars they stand for…peace, culture and charity.”

The comments came as the NFL granted the Steelers with marketing rights in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The franchise has already competed in a game on Irish soil. Pittsburgh faced off with the Chicago Bears for a 1997 preseason clash. Now, it appears only a matter of time before the Steelers are back.