The game in a sold out Croke Park was the first of its kind in Ireland, and ended in high drama as the Vikings fought back from a 21-6 deficit to have the opportunity to win the game in the final phases.
Players including TJ Watt, who had a crucial interception, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers said how the club’s connection to Ireland was a big part of coach Tomlin’s pre-game speeches, the Steelers head coach was full of praise for the welcome his team got in Ireland.
“I just can’t express enough the reception that we got here. The hospitality, the accommodations, the service – it was all top notch, man. It’s an honour to represent American football here in Dublin,” Tomlin said.
“It was just a great trip. Obviously, a component of it being a great trip is doing the job, and thankfully we were able to do that. We made it a little more entertaining than maybe it should have been, but the Vikings had a lot to do with that.
“That group’s got a lot of fight. They’re well coached. But today was just a fun atmosphere, good to get a win.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 of Pittsburgh Steelers and Safety Harrison Smith #22 of Minnesota Vikings after the 2025 NFL International Game at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 28th
The Steelers are now at 3-1, something Tomlin was quick to remind the room to pre-empt any questions about his team’s ability to close out games, and the players are happy to be going into the bye week break with momentum on their side.
“We definitely had a chip on our shoulder. Mike T [Tomlin] before last night gave a big speech on the importance of the Rooney family here in Ireland, Mr Rooney and his ambassadorship here and how important this game means to their family. We take a lot of pride in that, and to go out and play Steeler football was huge,” added Watt of the importance of yesterday’s game.
“We will be drinking many more Guinnesses shortly,” Watt added.
Rodgers meanwhile threw for 200 yards and a touchdown, and looked confident in his ability to manage the offence. He expressed his love for his surroundings before flying off last night.
“I thought the atmosphere was outstanding. I come out early. In most NFL stadiums there’s two hours when the stadium opens and it starts to trickle in. Somebody came back in the locker room at like 11:00 and goes, man, there’s a ton of people out there already.
“I was like, yeah, we’re not in the States anymore. This is a different type of fan,” he said.
“I loved it. I thought the crowd was fantastic. A lot of terrible towels there, but I felt like there was probably some good old Irish getting in the mix too waving those towels around a little bit.
“The music was great. The fans were cool. The field was pristine. I thought the field was really, really good. Conditions were good.
“We had a nice sunny Irish day. I feel like a normal Irish day is overcast and drizzling. I thought it was extra, extra nice today. The whole experience was fantastic. Shout out to the country and everybody who made this happen.
“Win or lose, I would have said the same thing. I just felt like the reception from the people here was outstanding.
“It was a short trip, but from the moment we landed, the security guys over at the Carton House were hilarious. The Guinness was good in downtown Dublin. It will be a nice flight back with hopefully a yearly return by us or two other teams.
“100 per cent Ireland has earned another NFL game.”