The suggestion of the Green Bay Packers being the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponent for their 2025 game in Dublin, Ireland, isn’t breaking news. For months, the Packers have been rumored and speculated as the Steelers’ dancing partner. Though the NFL won’t make an announcement for several more weeks, the Packers might’ve hinted at the news themselves Monday afternoon.
On Twitter/X, the Packers’ account announced that Green Bay has been awarded international marketing rights in Germany, the United Kingdom, and yes, Ireland.
As the Packers’ website explains, those rights aren’t randomly handed out. Green Bay bid on those locations and was awarded them by the league.
“The Packers have initially selected Germany, Ireland and the UK due to the existing fan base, cultural fit and opportunity for further expansion and growth in these countries. The organization may bid on other countries in the future as opportunities continue to grow,” their website press release reads.
Their site notes they’re one of just five teams with marketing rights in Ireland. Of course, Pittsburgh is among the others and had been the NFL’s worst-kept secret as the team to host the league’s first-ever regular season game in Ireland this season.
The Packers’ announcement is further belief Green Bay will be Pittsburgh’s opponent. Two of the NFL’s oldest franchises mesh with Croke Park, the game’s venue, and the rich history Ireland offers.
Perhaps the only hang-up is the possibility of Aaron Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh. Assuming he signs with the Steelers, would the NFL air a game with such marquee implications at 9:30 AM/ET in front of an international audience? Undoubtedly, the game would draw well but a primetime matchup of Rodgers playing against his former team is enticing. It’ll be a big decision for the league to wrestle.
Continued reporting hints at an early international game taking place Week 3 or 4. International teams are given the chance to take their bye week the following week though it’s not mandatory and the Steelers could turn down the chance, preferring a later bye as rest becomes more important later in a season.
Knowing Pittsburgh is the home team, possible opponents beyond Green Bay are Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Miami, Minnesota, and Seattle.
