DUBLIN — The Pittsburgh Steelers made history on Sunday, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24–21 in the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Ireland. The win was especially meaningful for the Steelers, given the Rooney family’s deep ties to the Emerald Isle.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing in just his fourth game with Pittsburgh, delivered a poised performance. He completed 18 of 22 passes for 200 yards, highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown strike to DK Metcalf. Rodgers also notched his first international win, energizing the predominantly black-and-gold crowd of 74,512 at Croke Park.
“There were a lot of us that wanted to win a little more for the family, knowing how much affection they have for this area,” Rodgers said after the victory.
Running back Kenneth Gainwell provided the spark on the ground, rushing for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including scores from 1 and 4 yards out. His efforts, combined with a stingy defense, pushed the Steelers to 3–1 heading into their bye week.
Vikings Fight Back Late
Minnesota quarterback Carson Wentz, making his second straight start for the injured J.J. McCarthy, kept the Vikings close with a strong fourth-quarter rally. Wentz threw for 350 yards and two touchdowns on 30-of-46 passing but was undone by two interceptions and six sacks.
The Steelers’ defense made the difference. T.J. Watt picked off a tipped Wentz pass in the third quarter, setting up Gainwell’s second touchdown to stretch the lead to 21–6. DeShon Elliott added another interception, and Cam Heyward anchored a defensive front that consistently pressured Wentz.
Despite trailing 24–6 in the fourth, Wentz connected with Zavier Scott for a 16-yard touchdown, then later hit Jalen Nailor from two yards out after an 81-yard bomb to Jordan Addison. But Pittsburgh’s defense stood tall in the final minutes, stopping Wentz on fourth-and-17 to seal the win.
Offensive Highlights
DK Metcalf hauled in five passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Jefferson shined for Minnesota with 10 receptions for 126 yards.
Addison, in his season debut after a three-game suspension, added 114 yards on four catches.
Coaches’ Reactions
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the team made things tighter than necessary but praised his squad’s resilience.
“We made it a little bit more entertaining than maybe it should have been, but the Vikings had a lot to do with that,” Tomlin said.
Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell pointed to missed opportunities.
“We just didn’t do enough to overcome our own execution issues or the injuries,” he said.
A Rooney Homecoming
For the Steelers, the game was more than just another win. Tomlin reminded the team of the late chairman Daniel M. Rooney, who served as U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009–12.
“I know he’s smiling at us today,” Tomlin said. “I’ve been thinking about him a lot on a personal level.”
Game Notes
Rodgers nearly created a viral moment late in the first half when he fumbled on a scramble, only for lineman Broderick Jones to scoop it up and rumble four yards. The drive ended with a blocked field goal.
Minnesota lost center Ryan Kelly (concussion) and tackle Brian O’Neill (knee).
Pittsburgh wideout Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was taken to a local hospital, while CB Jalen Ramsey battled a hamstring issue.
What’s Next:
Vikings (2–2): Travel to London to face the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Steelers (3–1): Enter their bye week before hosting Cleveland on Oct. 12.
