Travel Troubles in Ireland: Why Rodgers is Frustrated with His Itinerary

DUBLIN – Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers arrived in Ireland bright and early on Friday, just after 8 a.m. local time. If it were up to Rodgers, they would have come even earlier to prepare for their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park.

“It is what it is,” he said during a news conference. “If the schedule had been a bit different, I would have liked to get here by Monday. Tuesday is a day off.” He expressed excitement about experiencing the beautiful country, even if only from photos so far.

NFL teams set their own travel schedules, but Steelers owner Art Rooney II mentioned that they collaborated with the league on the matter. He noted that they had to prioritize the football aspects of the trip. “I would’ve liked to have the guys here for a few more days, but we had to do what’s best for football,” Rooney said.

Before leaving for Dublin Thursday evening, the Steelers practiced in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Thursday. They are staying about an hour outside of Dublin in a hotel that features practice fields. Rooney mentioned that the team will have some time to explore the area on Saturday afternoon.

Rodgers has a personal connection to Ireland, with family roots tracing back to the region. “I love history, and I know a bit about the geopolitical background here,” he shared. He also joked about his love for Guinness, noting that he believes it tastes best right from the tap in Ireland. “I had it in Northern Ireland, and it was great, but I’m eager to try it here,” he added.

The significance of this trip extends beyond just football. The game marks the first NFL regular-season event in Ireland, reflecting the league’s growing international presence. According to recent statistics, international games have seen a rise in viewership, with a 30% increase in fans watching last year compared to previous seasons. This trend highlights not only the NFL’s expansion but also a growing global appreciation for American football.

User reactions on social media have celebrated the historic nature of the event, with fans expressing excitement over the game and the cultural exchange it represents. Stay tuned as the Steelers prepare to make their mark in Ireland.

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