Historic NFL Ireland Debut: Steelers Edge Vikings at Dublin's Croke Park
Historic NFL Clash in Dublin
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in a landmark NFL game held at Dublin's iconic Croke Park. This marked a significant moment as the NFL staged its first regular-season game in Ireland, attracting a passionate crowd of 74,512 fans. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in his first season with the Steelers, led the team with precision, finishing 18 of 22 for 200 yards and a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf, who electrified the stadium with an 80-yard touchdown catch-and-run.
Key Performances and Game Highlights
Kenneth Gainwell made history by scoring the first NFL touchdown on Irish soil and contributed two touchdowns overall, rushing for 99 yards. The Vikings mounted a late comeback, with Jalen Nailor scoring with just over two minutes remaining, but the Steelers' defense held firm to preserve the win. The victory improved Pittsburgh’s record to 3-1 and celebrated the Rooney family’s Irish roots.
Impact and Future Prospects
This game exemplified the NFL’s expanding global reach and deepened fan engagement in Europe. Rodgers’ leadership under coach Mike Tomlin signals a promising future for the Steelers, who now head into their bye week energized by this historic and tightly contested win.
