The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at the center of two massive stories shaking up the NFL world. On one hand, a historic announcement has solidified the franchise’s deep-rooted ties to Ireland, bringing them full circle to their Irish heritage. On the other, a quarterback saga involving Russell Wilson’s uncertain future in Pittsburgh has left fans on edge. As Steelers President Art Rooney II basks in the excitement of an NFL milestone, the storm surrounding Wilson’s tenure with the team continues to rage on.
A Historic Return to Ireland: Steelers Set for Dublin Showdown in 2025
The connection between the Rooney family and Ireland runs deeper than just football. The family’s ancestry traces back to Newry, County Down, where James and Mary Rooney emigrated during the Great Famine of the 1840s. For decades, the Rooneys have embraced their Irish roots, with the late Dan Rooney, former Steelers owner and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, leading efforts to bring the NFL to Dublin.
Now, after 28 years, the dream has come full circle. The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially set to play the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Ireland at Croke Park in 2025.
“We are very excited to be the designated team in the first regular-season game to be played in Ireland,” Rooney II declared. “The opportunity to play in front of our Irish fans and honor our family’s history is truly special.”
The announcement, made just two days before Super Bowl LIX, has sent waves of excitement through the NFL and Irish sports communities alike.
Croke Park’s Legacy and the Steelers’ Special Bond with Ireland
Croke Park is more than just a stadium—it is a symbol of Irish pride and resilience, deeply intertwined with the nation’s sporting and historical identity. Hosting an NFL game on this hallowed ground is a monumental occasion, marking another step in the league’s international expansion.
Jarlath Burns, President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), expressed his excitement about the event:
“Croke Park is a proud symbol of Ireland’s sporting heritage, and welcoming one of the NFL’s most storied franchises is a momentous occasion for the entire country.”
The Steelers have long invested in building their presence in Ireland, even securing marketing rights in both Ireland and Northern Ireland under the NFL’s Global Markets Program. Their partnership with the GAA has strengthened the bond between American football and Ireland’s traditional sports, making the 2025 showdown a natural evolution of their legacy.
For Steelers fans, this game is more than just football—it’s a homecoming decades in the making.
But While Rooney Celebrates, the Steelers’ Quarterback Chaos Deepens
While the Steelers revel in their upcoming trip to Dublin, a very different conversation is happening behind the scenes: the fate of Russell Wilson.
Just hours before Rooney’s jubilant remarks about the Ireland game, reports surfaced that the Steelers have no intention of keeping Wilson beyond 2024.
“I’ll keep this short and to the point: Russell Wilson’s not wanted by the Steelers. Like, at all.”
— Dejan Kovacevic, DK Pittsburgh Sports
That’s a brutal verdict for a former Super Bowl champion who was seen as a potential savior in Pittsburgh. But according to insiders, Wilson’s struggles had nothing to do with play-calling disputes—as his PR team suggested—and everything to do with his diminished ability to execute plays.
“Wilson wasn’t following play calls, held onto the ball too long, and simply didn’t have the same escapability he once did,” said Kovacevic.
The Steelers are now eyeing Justin Fields as their long-term quarterback solution, with multiple reports suggesting that Wilson will not return in 2025.
Wilson’s Future: Could a Reunion with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas Be Next?
As Pittsburgh seemingly shuts the door on Wilson, another team has entered the conversation—the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Pete Carroll recently taking over as the Raiders’ head coach, speculation is mounting that Wilson could reunite with his former Seahawks mentor. Carroll, however, was quick to downplay the rumors:
“It’s too early to say if Wilson could be an option at QB for the Raiders.”
For his part, Wilson has been sending mixed signals about his future. While he has expressed interest in staying in Pittsburgh, he also avoided giving a definitive answer when pressed about a possible move to Vegas.
“Pete’s going to be a great coach, obviously. But I’m focused on the Steelers.”
Focused? Maybe. But with the Steelers looking toward Justin Fields, Wilson’s days in Pittsburgh appear numbered.
Two Monumental Moments for the Steelers—But in Different Ways
As Art Rooney II and the Steelers celebrate their historic return to Dublin, Russell Wilson’s future in Pittsburgh is unraveling at breakneck speed.
Will Wilson land with the Raiders? Will the Steelers officially commit to Fields?
With the NFL offseason heating up, Pittsburgh finds itself at a crossroads—one filled with nostalgia, uncertainty, and high-stakes decisions.
One thing is certain: 2025 will be a year Steelers fans won’t forget.
