As the NFL continues to expand, the league has played more international games over the years. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been a part of that expansion so far, but according to some recent comments from team owner Art Rooney II, that could change very soon.
When Rooney appeared on the show during the Steelers’ preseason game against the Houston Texans, he was asked if the Steelers might play an international game soon.
“I think there’s a good chance we’ll have an international game in the 2025 season,” Rooney said. “That’s up to the league, obviously, not us, but we kind of deserve it. We’re thinking it could be in Mexico or Ireland.”
The Steelers have a large fan base in both countries, so it’s logical that they’d be the first choice. The last time the Steelers played an international game was against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. That game was played in London and ended in a 34-27 loss for the Steelers. Hopefully they’ll have better luck in Mexico or Ireland.
Although Mexico would be a less arduous trip for the team and the Steelers have a large fan base there, Rooney is likely hoping the team plays in Ireland. The Rooney family has always had a strong connection to Ireland, and Dan Rooney was the country’s national ambassador from 2009 to 2012. It would make sense for the Steelers to play a game there.
The team has actually played in Ireland before, but in a preseason game. In 1997, the Steelers played in Ireland against the Chicago Bears and won 30-17. The team even began broadcasting its games in Ireland that year, as Rooney said in a separate interview for Virgin Media Sport. The Rooney family has probably been pushing for a season game in Ireland for some time and could get their wish fulfilled next year.
It remains to be seen if the Steelers will get an international game next year, but Rooney seems confident it will happen. Whether it’s Mexico, Ireland, or maybe somewhere else entirely, it looks like it’s going to happen. Both countries Rooney mentioned have extremely passionate Steelers fans, so either option would be great. Hopefully, the Steelers won’t lose a home game because of this, although depending on who they’re playing, it could still feel like a home game.
