In 1997, the Steelers played the Chicago Bears in a preseason game at Dublin's historic Croke Park, marking the first time the NFL had played a game on the island of Ireland.

The connection is personal for the Steelers, as team president Art Rooney II's family has deep roots in Ireland, particularly in County Down. Art's late father, Dan M. Rooney, was the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and co-founded the Ireland Funds charity.