Mike Tomlin shows appreciation for Dan Rooney before historic Ireland game

The Steelers are leaving for Ireland on Thursday night to play the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin on Sunday.

The matchup marks the first NFL regular-season game to be played in Ireland. The Steelers played a preseason game at Croke Park against the Chicago Bears in 1997 and continued to grow the franchise’s legacy in the country.

Pittsburgh (2-1) returns to Ireland for the first time in 28 years to begin the NFL’s international games across Europe. 

Head coach Mike Tomlin showed appreciation for the trip on Tuesday during his weekly press conference, reflecting on what it means for the Steelers and specifically the Rooney family this week.

“I think a lot about the late Ambassador (Dan) Rooney and how fired up he would be about this trip,” Tomlin said. How important the development of this trip was for him. I’ve been thinking a lot about it. I’m sure I’ll be thinking a lot about it this week.”

Late Steelers owner Dan Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from July 2009 to December 2012 under the Obama administration. 

President Obama approached the Steelers chairman and former president about serving as Ambassador, where he also helped grow the game and Ireland’s love for the Steelers. Rooney passed away on April 13, 2017.

I certainly will be thinking a lot about him when we’re there,” Tomlin said. “You talk about a guy that certainly had a lot of passion for Ireland and the Steelers, serving as Ambassador to Ireland. I’m sure he’s going to be smiling down at us this weekend.” 

The Steelers are 0-1 in international games. Their lone matchup came against the Vikings on September 29, 2013, in a 34-27 Vikings win in London. Pittsburgh looks to flip the script in a place that holds significant meaning for the Rooneys family and earn a win in the historic Dublin Sunday afternoon game.