The Pittsburgh Steelers have arrived in Dublin, Ireland, for their Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The team is carrying more than just its usual game-day energy. They are honoring the legacy of the late ambassador Dan Rooney. Rooney, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012, was also a longtime owner and chairman of the Steelers. His dedication to both Ireland and American football helped foster a strong connection between the sport and the country and laid the groundwork for events like this historic game.

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Late Steelers Owner Dan Rooney alongside Head Coach Mike Tomlin and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, after a victorious Super Bowl XLIII win.
Rooney’s efforts were instrumental in bringing American football to Ireland, and the Steelers are eager to continue his legacy by sharing the excitement of the NFL with Irish fans. The matchup against the Vikings represents not only a thrilling sporting contest, but also a celebration of cultural ties and football history. Players and staff alike have expressed enthusiasm about experiencing Ireland firsthand, and the team has been engaging with local communities to make this event more than just a game.
.@AaronRodgers12 hittin’ the field for practice in Ireland! pic.twitter.com/YSXujO3EUc
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 26, 2025
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke with 93.7 The Fan ahead of the contest, expressing how excited he is to play in Ireland. Rodgers also offered some advice for Irish fans who may not be familiar with the nuances of cheering for American football. From understanding when to applaud big plays to joining in on chants and celebrations, Rodgers wants fans across Ireland to fully embrace the energy and atmosphere of the NFL. His goal is simple. He wants everyone to enjoy the game, whether they are lifelong football fans or experiencing it for the first time.
"The fans have been great, they love to cheer," Rodgers said while speaking about the Irish fans. "Sometimes they are not sure when to cheer. I’m a fan of soccer, football if you will over here, the normal fan base likes to cheer when your team has the ball. In (American) football, we like it when the team you are cheering for, if you have the ball, to be quiet so we can operate at the line of scrimmage."
In America, fans call the game soccer, but across the pond, it is known as fútbol. Over the past decade, American football has been steadily expanding internationally, with the NFL hosting more games outside the United States.
Clearly, the Steelers players are embracing the rare opportunity to play overseas, even though the matchup against the Vikings will be a challenging one for Pittsburgh.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Hopeful To Give Ireland Crowd Fireworks
Rodgers is hopeful that the Ireland crowd will have plenty to get excited about. Unlike soccer, where fans are consistently loud throughout the match, American football requires fans to be a bit more strategic with their cheering. Rodgers highlighted this difference in a friendly way when speaking to the media about the fans in Dublin, offering guidance on how to make the most of the game-day experience.

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
For the Steelers, this trip is about more than just competition. It is an opportunity to share the excitement of American football with a new audience and to honor the growing connection between Ireland and the NFL. Rodgers and his teammates are eager to give the fans a memorable experience, one that captures the energy, strategy, and spectacle that make football so unique.
Rodgers has completed 65.1% of his passes for 586 yards, throwing seven touchdowns against three interceptions. He will be looking to give the Irish crowd fireworks on Sunday morning. The Steelers got a 21-14 win in Week 3 over the New England Patriots but the offense didn't look great. Rodgers will be hopeful for much better execution from his offense.
What do you expect the result of the Week 4 game between the Steelers and the Vikings to be? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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