NFL Commissioner Goodell Suggests Ireland as Potential Host for 2025 Game

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated that Ireland is a potential host for a regular-season game in the 2025 season. Goodell also mentioned that the NFL aims to stage as many as eight international games during the 2025 season. Goodell had previously informed BBC Sport NI last month that he held “no doubt” Dublin would host a game at some point. Prior to the New York Giants versus Carolina Panthers game in Munich, Goodell reiterated that the NFL might play up to eight contests outside the United States in the upcoming year. He stated to NFL Network: “We expect to return to Mexico City. We expect to return to Brazil. We will certainly be back in the UK,” adding, “And we’re also looking at the potential of another game in the UK area in Ireland, possibly. That’s a possibility. And we’ll certainly be back here in Germany. “So if that total’s eight, that’s what we’re shooting for.”” Dublin has a history of hosting American football events; Aviva Stadium has recently been the venue for sold-out college American football games, demonstrating local interest. Furthermore, in 1997, the Pittsburgh Steelers played a pre-season game at Croke Park, which is known as the home of Gaelic games. The NFL’s international game series has seen expansion, with regular season matchups taking place in London, Brazil, and Germany this year. Madrid has also been confirmed as a host city for a game in 2025. Through the International Player Pathway program, several Gaelic footballers have participated in trials for NFL contracts. For instance, former Derry player Jude McAtamney recently debuted with the New York Giants, and former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth is presently part of the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad.