Mike Tomlin stated the Pittsburgh Steelers had been “all business” (with a smirk). TJ Watt stated the gamers may need one pint of Guinness – no extra. Aaron Rodgers stated he wished Guinness on faucet.
“I haven’t seen any taps right now,” joked the four-time MVP quarterback.
Steelers extensive receiver DK Metcalf in the meantime insisted he was simply right here to play a soccer recreation, content material with seeing Eire by means of the window of his aircraft on the flight out and in. The definition of ‘all enterprise’.
The probability of the Steelers tasting Guinness could also be slim, so too the probability of gamers getting the time to discover Dublin, however the magnitude of this weekend’s journey has not been misplaced on anyone as Pittsburgh host the Minnesota Vikings within the NFL’s first-ever regular-season recreation in Eire at Croke Park.
Proprietor Artwork Rooney II noticed to making sure that sentiment was clear on Wednesday when he personally addressed his crew to debate the franchise’s deep-rooted hyperlinks to Eire.
“It was nice to see Art get excited, he was carrying his hurling stick around,” stated defensive lineman Cam Heyward. “It means a lot to our organisation. Ireland has always embraced the Rooney family.”
The Steelers delivered a captivating nod to their Irish roots at apply on Friday by swapping out their regular participant nameplates with Gaelic surnames.
“I hope it comes with pronunciation,” joked Watt.
‘Mac Ruairi’ was the identify printed on the again of Rodgers’ shirt on Friday, the veteran quarterback admitting he wished the crew had flown in earlier within the week to embrace extra of the Irish festivities and tradition.
Few energetic gamers within the league can attest to having witnessed the NFL’s world evolution of the previous 20 years as a lot because the 41-year-old self-labelled ‘historian’ of the group.
“I have a lot of love for this country,” Rodgers informed Sky Sports activities. “I have genealogy that dates back to relatives on my mom’s side from Ireland and Scotland. I’ve always just had a fascination with the country.
“I’ve identified, being a lover of historical past, concerning the geo-political points and the sentiment round sure neighbouring areas however I’ve simply at all times loved the tradition.”
Rodgers had jokingly assured reporters earlier within the day that his expression of affection for Guinness was not merely a veteran PR transfer to cater to the host metropolis. It’s, in truth, evidently a drink of selection.
“For the last 10 years, strictly for the most part, if I drink beer, which I don’t often, I will drink Guinness. That’s a true story. Guinness on tap is my favourite beer.
“Supposedly it is significantly better over right here so I am trying ahead to having fun with one or two or three tonight. It means lots.”
Sunday awaits as Rodgers’ third game on international soil. He led the Green Bay Packers out as the 32nd and final team to play in London when they were beaten by the New York Giants in October 2022, before last year representing the New York Jets at Tottenham as they were beaten by the Vikings.
This weekend’s matchup features as part of a record seven games to be held outside of the United States during the 2025 season, the league’s commitment to global expansion underlined once more on Friday when it announced plans to play three games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil across a five-year period beginning in 2026.
“To be a part of the NFL now the place there’s such a world attain, earlier than it was actually simply the Tremendous Bowl being seen in so many alternative international locations, now we’re taking part in video games in South America, in Mexico, in Canada, in Germany, in England, now right here,” said Rodgers.
“I am certain there’s expansions in France and Spain finally, different international locations. It is enjoyable to be part of such an unbelievable sport and seeing the worldwide attain that it has.”
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Sky Sports activities NFL pundit Phoebe Schecter questions whether or not the Minnesota Vikings have a range headache at quarterback with Carson Wentz’ and J.J. McCarthy.
Observations three video games right into a season name for warning, however already Rodgers seems extra comfy within the environment of Pittsburgh than throughout his disappointing two-year interval with the Jets.
The mobility to flee stress might have declined with age, however there stays the teasing flashes of Corridor of Fame-bound arm expertise.
He and head coach Tomlin spoke glowingly of their younger time collectively to date, the absence of any seen energy wrestle making for a more healthy image than had maybe been anticipated upon Rodgers signing a one-year deal within the offseason.
“Some of the greatest coaches in all sports, there’s an element of being a players’ coach,” Rodgers informed Sky Sports activities.
“That’s talked about a lot. But I think Mike really exemplifies what that means and that’s first and foremost, it doesn’t mean you’re buddies with everybody. I think great players’ coaches, they lead with accountability first, so they’re able to hold everybody accountable and that happens because of the relationships they have with the guys.
“So it begins with accountability and respect and it is by means of the non-public relationships that he is in a position to get probably the most out of fellows. So he’s a gamers’ coach however he isn’t a pushover by any means. Mike T. is the ultimate gavel in any dialog. It has been a pleasure working with him. He is such an incredible human being.”
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NFL UK & Eire Normal Supervisor Henry Hodgson explains why they’ve chosen Dublin, Eire to host the Steelers and the Vikings within the NFL.
Rodgers endured a day to neglect final 12 months when he threw three interceptions because the Jets had been crushed by the Vikings, with Sunday’s recreation billed as one other fascinating duel between the Steelers quarterback and Minnesota’s prized defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
“He’s a great coach, but he’s not on the field playing,” Rodgers stated Friday. “The Cat-and-Mouse game is really with the Harrison Smiths and the Byron Murphys and Isaiah Rodgers and their linebacker crew.
“And the nice edge gamers they’ve, 58 (Jonathan Greenard), 43 (Andrew Van Ginkel), and 15 (Dallas Turner) are multidimensional gamers. They will drop on the protection, rush the passer and get sacks and get within the passing lanes as properly. So it is the place these guys are at and attempting to be sensible with the ball.”
Watch the Steelers face the Vikings at Dublin’s Croke Park live on Sky Sports NFL this Sunday, with coverage from 1.30pm ahead of kickoff at 2.30pm; Get Sky Sports activities or stream with no contract on NOW.
