The NFL has held regular-season video games in London since 2007 and has been increasing throughout Europe lately, with Germany internet hosting its first recreation in 2022 and Spain set to observe in 2025.
A feasibility examine for additional growth throughout Europe – together with into Dublin – has began and Rooney added that whereas he would “love” to convey the Steelers to Eire, it’s in the end as much as the NFL.
“We’re awaiting a few of their findings and we have now instructed them we’d like to get to the island to play a recreation some day,” he mentioned.
“It is an thrilling future forward. It could be particular irrespective of the place we performed it.
“Croke Park hosted it in 1997 and that could be a particular venue, however that is actually within the palms of the NFL.”
Rooney says “we see an urge for food for our recreation” in Eire and added the emergence of Charlie Smyth by means of the NFL’s worldwide participant pathway (IPP) programme has helped develop the game.
Former Down GAA goalkeeper Smyth signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints as a kicker after impressing on the NFL Mix.
“We have seen the Gaelic soccer gamers and the gifted legs that they’ve,” mentioned Rooney, who added it was “thrilling” to have worldwide gamers difficult to make NFL rosters.
“The actual fact guys and gals develop up kicking a ball helps transition to American soccer kicking, so it is actually spectacular on that entrance.”