The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines during Week 4 of the 2025 season. Their trip to Dublin, Ireland was nothing short of a triumphant success for the team and the nation. It would not be surprising to see them play more games in the Emerald Isle in the near future. Of course, there is a ton of history between the two, with original members of the Rooney family immigrating to the United States from that country. It has always been their dream to return with the sport they love, and that was a huge success last season.
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Steelers fans waving their Terrible Towels at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland during the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings on September 28, 2025.
The Steelers playing overseas could be an annual occurrence, as the NFL has admitted that it eventually wants a 16-game international slate each year. Every team would play in a game outside of the United States every season. While Pittsburgh clearly has a second home-field advantage in Ireland, they could be the road team at other venues as well, just to mix things up occasionally and try something new.
It does not sound like this idea will start in 2026. Gerry Dulac reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are expected to host two games in England this season, have made it so they will still play Pittsburgh in Florida.
"According to multiple sources, the Jaguars 'protected' their home game against the Steelers, meaning it will likely be played in Jacksonville and not in the capital of England," Dulac reported.
The Steelers won't have to worry about packing their bags for another trip to the United Kingdom just yet. That is great news for the players, especially since owner Art Rooney II tends to have his players leave later and have less time to recover from jet lag and prepare for the upcoming game. Barring any sudden changes from the NFL schedule makers, they should be able to play all 17 games in the United States.
Steelers.com
Daniel Rooney celebrating in Dublin, Ireland to celebrate the new marketing partnership between the Steelers and the country of Ireland.
Later on, Dulac explained how and why teams can "protect" certain games from going international.
"Teams with international dates have the ability to 'protect' two home games, though that number could soon be reduced," Dulac said. "They do that to ensure better matchups and more marquee games for their season-ticket holders."
In this case, the Jaguars would rather play the Steelers at their actual home stadium than their second home in England. Jacksonville's ownership and front office group is most likely expecting a packed house for that contest, as opposed to when they host a team like the Cleveland Browns. This is a very basic, easy decision to bring in more revenue in a game-by-game basis while still traveling.
Steelers Fans Have Greatly Influenced International Play Over The Years
This is something for Steeler Nation to be proud of. Arguably, nobody travels to road games as well as this fan base does. Because of that, most of these teams that are hosting international games most likely protect their home game against the Steelers, knowing that there won't be an empty seat when they come into town. Why would they want to pass up on that to play them internationally and host the Browns, where many seats may be empty?
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Steelers' Miles Killebrew high fives Pittsburgh fans after a home game.
It is truly "Steeler Nation" because fans can and will pack any stadium in the NFL with ease. Some of the teams that struggle to bring fans in like the Arizona Cardinals or Los Angeles Chargers end up having to play home games that feel more like road games with how electric Steelers fans truly are. That's why they rarely ever travel to another country for a game.
What do you think about the Jaguars protecting their home game with the Steelers, so they don't play in London, as well as the fans likely having an influence on that? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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