“NFL in Ireland? Goodell Drops Major Hint About 2025 Game”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced that Ireland could host a regular-season NFL game as early as 2025.
In an interview with BBC Sport NI last month, Goodell expressed confidence that Dublin would eventually welcome an NFL game. He made the comments ahead of the New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers game in Munich, stating that the league could play up to eight games outside of the U.S. next year.
“We plan to return to Mexico City, Brazil, and the UK,” Goodell shared with NFL Network. “We’re also looking into the possibility of adding a game in Ireland. And of course, we’ll be back in Germany as well. If we reach eight games, that’s our goal.”
Dublin’s Aviva Stadium has previously hosted sell-out American football college games, showing strong support for the sport. In 1997, Croke Park, home of Gaelic games, also hosted a pre-season NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and a team from the NFL.
This move is part of the NFL’s expanding international schedule, which now includes regular season games in London, Brazil, and Germany. Madrid is also set to host a game in 2025.
Additionally, the NFL has opened its doors to players from Gaelic football, with some athletes trying out for NFL contracts. Former Derry player Jude McAtamney made his debut with the New York Giants last week, and former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth is currently with the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.
