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The NFL has been expanding across Europe in recent years with three teams – the Chicago Bears, the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars – set to play matches in London during the 2024 season while the Carolina Panthers will play in Germany.<\/p>\n
A feasibility study for further expansion across Europe – including into Dublin – has started and Rooney added that while he would “love” to bring the Steelers to Ireland, it is ultimately up to the NFL.<\/p>\n
“We’re awaiting some of their findings and we have told them we would love to get to the island to play a game some day. <\/p>\n
“It’s an exciting future ahead. It would be special no matter where we played it. <\/p>\n
“Croke Park hosted it in 1997 and that is a special venue, but that’s really in the hands of the NFL.”<\/p>\n
Rooney says “we see an appetite for our game” in Ireland and added the emergence of Charlie Smyth<\/a> through the NFL’s international player pathway (IPP) programme has helped grow the sport.<\/p>\n Former Down GAA goalkeeper Smyth signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints as a kicker after impressing in the IPP trials.<\/p>\n “We’ve seen the Gaelic football players and the talented legs that they have,” said Rooney, who added it was “exciting” to have international players challenging to make NFL rosters. <\/p>\n “The fact guys and gals grow up kicking a ball helps transition to American football kicking.<\/p>\n “So it’s really impressive on that front.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n