(Video) Aaron Rodgers Connects with DK Metcalf for a Massive 80-Yard Touchdown in Ireland

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings played in the first game in Ireland at Croke Park, a famous concert venue and home to the GAA.

(Video) Aaron Rodgers Connects with DK Metcalf for a Massive 80-Yard Touchdown in Ireland

Aaron Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf for a touchdown (Images via talksport/X/ Bleacher Report)

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In a historic evening in Dublin, the city of rich literary history and iconic pubs, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in the first-ever NFL game in Ireland. The Steelers are now 3-1 and leading the AFC North ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Black and Gold seized early control on Sunday, surging to a 14–3 advantage over the Minnesota Vikings midway through the second quarter. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers delivered a flawless start, completing eighteen of his twenty-two pass attempts for 200 yards and a touchdown.

The highlight play of the day was obviously when he threw an 80-yard strike to wide receiver DK Metcalf, who shone with 5 receptions for 126 yards. The 80-yard completion also broke a record for most pass completions over 50 yards. It was Rodgers’ 91st career 50+ yard completion, one more than the legendary New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees.

The 74,512 fans at Croke Park roared in awe of the play, which the media said reminded them of a vintage Rodgers. The 41-year-old quarterback might have translated his regret of missing out on more time in Ireland and drinking Guinness into firepower on the field.

Kenneth Gainwell had two touchdown runs, a one-yard run in the first quarter, and a four-yard run in the third quarter. Chris Boswell converted one field goal and missed one. The Vikings were quite slow to the game, with just six points on the board at the start of the fourth quarter.

In the last quarter, the Vikings scored fifteen points, though they fell short. Carson Wentz threw for 350 yards with a 66.67% completion rate and two touchdowns. However, he also threw two interceptions.

Celebrities line up at Croke Park for NFL’s first game in Ireland

The first NFL game in Emerald Island was nothing short of remarkable. Croke Park in Dublin was packed with fans who reveled in the first taste of gridiron football. The event was attended by several famous A-Listers from the entertainment and sports industry.

Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe
Arsenal players and girlfriends, Caitlin Foord, Katie McCabe, were in attendance at the Dublin Game 2025 (Image via X @NFL)

Arsenal footballers Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe attended from the world of professional soccer. In International competitions, McCabe plays for the Republic of Ireland, and Foord hails from Australia. The former, who is the Irish captain, is a Kansas City Chiefs fan, expressed joy in attending the game.

When I had the opportunity to come here today for the first ever NFL in-season game, it was an absolute honor to be part of it… I have watched gaelic football and following Dublin and that but to actually be here and be part of it is really exciting.

Roy Keane was yet another soccer star in attendance. He was photographed alongside hurling star Patrick Horgan. Horgan had recently announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. Michael Breen, who helped Tipperary claim the All-Ireland hurling title at the stadium earlier this year, was also in attendance with his girlfriend and World Athletics Relays bronze medalist winner Sharlene Mawdsley.

The event had a few other stars from Gaelic football in attendance as well. These included Fossa captain Paudie Clifford and ex-Ireland international Stephanie Zambra. Clifford and Zambra even wore Pittsburgh Steelers colors.

The Lost in Translation actor Bill Murray, who was in town for filming his latest project in Sligo, also made time to show up. The event also featured Stargazing singer and rising pop star, Myles Smith, who headlined the halftime show. He was joined by The Line-Up Choir, a contemporary vocal ensemble based in Dublin.

Laura McNamara, who’s professionally known as Lyra, also stole the headlines with her rendition of Amhran na bhFiann, the Irish national anthem, ahead of the game. The Irish sports world or the acting industry wasn’t the only ones who turned up. Former Philadelphia Eagles lineman and sportscaster Jason Kelce was also there in style, with swag and a cup of Guinness.

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