A Historic NFL Weekend in Dublin: Croke Park Welcomes the Steelers and Vikings
History was made on Sunday as Croke Park hosted its first-ever NFL regular-season game, a landmark clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings. The event marked a bold expansion of America’s game onto Irish soil, with anticipation building across the country all week. The weekend wasn’t without incident, as reports emerged of a Steelers player being mugged in Dublin on the eve of the game.
On the field, the narrative unfolded with several dramatic moments. A controversial sequence saw Jalen Ramsey’s return for a touchdown for Pittsburgh nullified after review, while Minnesota opened the scoring with a field goal. The Steelers answered with a 1-yard TD run, and a later highlight reel moment—described in coverage as electric—involved a star receiver sprinting 80 yards for a touchdown after a long play. The halftime score stood at 14-6. Pittsburgh controlled the third quarter, but Minnesota staged a late rally to set the final score at 24-21.
Beyond the spectacle of the game itself, the day was defined by a stellar cast of attendees from both sides of the Atlantic. Celebrities and top athletes rubbed shoulders with football fans, adding a layer of global interest to an already historic event at Croke Park.
18 Notable Attendees at the NFL Game at Croke Park
- Bill Murray — The iconic American actor continued his Irish tour with a visit to the stands, providing a stream of interviews and soundbites for reporters on site.
- Paudie Clifford — The Kerry great and famed Steelers supporter joined friends near Hill 16 for the pre-game buzz and the opening whistle.
- Stephanie Zambra — The Ireland WNT legend accompanied Clifford, adding a touch of women’s football prestige to the day’s proceedings.
- Lewis Capaldi — Footage of Capaldi enjoying a pint in the lower Hogan Stand circulated on social media as fans spotted the singer soaking in the atmosphere.
- Bundee Aki — The Ireland rugby international, alongside other guests, was introduced to the crowd during the coin toss, highlighting the cross-sport appeal of the event.
- Katie McCabe — The Irish international shared in the day’s excitement with fans and media close to the sidelines.
- Hannah Tyrell — A standout across rugby and football, Tyrell’s presence underscored the broad appeal of the NFL game in Ireland.
- Jason Kelce — The retired Philadelphia Eagles great and New Heights co-host was pitchside, taking in the Irish atmosphere and sharing moments with Bill Murray.
- Roger Goodell — The NFL commissioner attended the weekend’s events, meeting fans and key dignitaries as kickoff approached.
- Caelan Doris — The Ireland captain sat nearby Goodell, enjoying the spectacle and the cross-cultural sporting moment.
- Garry Ringrose — The Ireland rugby star joined the coverage, contributing to the day’s wide-ranging sports conversation.
- Damien Duff — The former Shamrock Rovers manager was seen near the NFL Shop and spoke positively about the game to reporters.
- Aidan O’Shea — Mayo legend attended with his brother Conor, embracing the cross-sport celebration in Dublin.
- Alex Dunne — Offaly’s rising star shared a snap from the lower Hogan Stand to his social channels, adding to the day’s online buzz.
- Sharlene Mawdsley — The Tipp speedster posted sideline content, fueling the day’s social media narrative alongside other sports figures.
- Mikey Breen — The Cork-based rugby player and media presence contributed coverage from the sideline throughout the game.
- Patrick Horgan — The Dublin GAA stalwart offered clips and photos that highlighted the event’s cross-sport appeal.
- Ciaran Kilkenny — The Dublin All-Star nominee shared content that showcased the day’s unique blend of football cultures.
The NFL’s historic foray to Ireland at Croke Park showcased how the sport’s footprint is expanding globally. With 18 high-profile attendees adding to the occasion, the NFL Game at Croke Park will be remembered not just for the on-field action, but for the worldwide attention it drew to Ireland’s capital and the sport’s growing international reach.
