Vikings Get Dubbed in Dublin with Steelers’ First Regular-Season Win in Ireland

Wide receiver DK Metcalf sprints toward an 80-yard touchdown. (Courtesy/Steelerswire)

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured the win with a crucial fourth-down stop on the final play of the game, granting the Steelers their first regular-season win in Ireland.

The Steelers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 on Sept. 28 in their first regular-season game in Ireland, sealing the win with a fourth-down stop on the final play. The Steelers’ last game in Ireland was July 27, 1997, in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Croke Park in Dublin. 

The Steelers returned to Dublin 28 years after their last appearance in Ireland. The NFL has played a record-tying seven games internationally this season, and the league hopes to expand the game every year.  

Xavier Johnson, a die-hard Steelers fan, had his enthusiasm on display after seeing his team play in Ireland. 

“It’s pretty cool to see the black and gold go international. It’s going to be a defensive strategist’s dream. Tomlin versus O’Connell,” Johnson said. 

Johnson discussed a possible revenge game for Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, who was previously the Steelers’ linebackers coach and senior defensive assistant in 2022. 

“Is this a revenge game for Brian Flores?… Maybe we’ll see who comes back to the states with the pot of gold,” Johnson said.

The Steelers flew back with the pot of gold, while Minnesota scored all of its touchdowns in the second half.

Kenneth Gainwell collected two rushing touchdowns, scoring the Steelers’ first and last touchdown of the game, while Aaron Rodgers added an 80-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf to extend the lead in the first half, 14-3.

The Steelers’ defense also came up big in this matchup. In the second quarter, Steelers safety DeShon Elliot intercepted Sam Darnold in his first game back since Week 1, sidelined with an MCL sprain in his left knee. Defensive end T.J. Watt also collected an interception. The Steelers’ defense allowed zero touchdowns in the first half.

“The Steelers playing in Ireland highlights how the NFL is expanding its reach beyond traditional U.S. markets, bringing the game to passionate international fan bases,” Sebastian Borgard, a lifelong NFL junkie, said. 

The Steelers and Vikings played the second international game of the season, following the Chiefs and Chargers, who played the first game in Brazil in Week 1. 

Borgard thinks the league will continue to grow with time.

“These global matchups reflect the league’s push to grow football worldwide, much like its recent games in London, Germany and Mexico,” Borgard said. 

“It’s a clear sign of how times are changing, with the NFL becoming more of an international spectacle than ever before,” Borgard added.