NFL In Dublin: Minnesota Vikings Take On Pittsburgh Steelers At Historic Croke Park

The NFL returns to Ireland this Sunday, as the Minnesota Vikings face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park, Dublin. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:30 BST, with live text commentary available on the BBC Sport website and app from 13:00.

A Historic Homecoming

This game is more than just football – it’s a celebration of heritage, culture, and history. For Irish fans, the return of the NFL comes 28 years after the league’s only previous pre-season game in Ireland in 1997. For American fans and players, it’s a bucket-list experience. And for the Rooney family, it’s a full-circle moment, connecting the Pittsburgh Steelers to their Irish roots nearly a century after Art Rooney’s ancestors left Newry, County Down, for America.

From Newry To NFL Glory

Art Rooney’s great-grandparents emigrated during the Great Famine and eventually settled in Pennsylvania. Art, born in 1901, became a multi-sport athlete before buying the NFL franchise in 1933 for $2,500. Originally called the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team was renamed the Steelers in 1940 to honor the city’s steel industry.

Decades of struggle followed, but under Chuck Noll and later Dan Rooney, the franchise transformed into one of the NFL’s most successful teams, winning six Super Bowls and sharing the record for most wins with the New England Patriots.

What To Expect In Dublin

Sunday’s game promises more than a thrilling matchup on the field. Fans will witness a historic homecoming for the Steelers, a showcase of NFL talent, and a celebration of the Rooney family’s Irish heritage. Whether you’re in Dublin or following live updates from afar, this is an NFL event that will be remembered for generations.