Rodgers Arrives in Dublin for Historic NFL Game

DUBLIN, Ireland — The Green Bay Packers touched down in Ireland a little after 8 a.m. local time Friday, ahead of their matchup against the New York Giants at Croke Park this Sunday. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed a desire to have arrived days earlier for the historic event.

“It is what it is, but if the schedule had been a little different, if I could have chosen it, maybe we get over on Monday; Tuesday is the day off,” said Rodgers during a pre-practice news conference. He noted the beauty of Ireland, as seen in photos.

NFL teams control their travel schedules, according to league sources, but Steelers owner Art Rooney II mentioned their collaboration with the league on this journey. Rooney stated, “I would’ve liked to have the guys over here for a few more days, too. But we’re in the middle of the season, so we had to do what’s best for the football side of things.”

The Steelers practiced in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Thursday before departing for Dublin on Thursday evening, marking the first NFL regular-season game in Ireland. The team is currently staying about an hour outside Dublin’s city center in a hotel equipped with practice facilities.

Rooney confirmed that the team will have free time to explore Dublin on Saturday afternoon. Rodgers, who has Irish and Scottish ancestry, expressed excitement about visiting. “I’m a historian… I’m a huge fan of Guinness. I don’t really drink beer, but if I do, I drink Guinness. I’ve heard it tastes different off the tap in Ireland than in the States,” he shared.