NFL franchise in Europe a ‘possibility’ – Bettis

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Date: Sunday, September 28th, 2018 Kick-off: 14:30 BST

Jerome Bettis, the Pittsburgh Steelers legend, fondly recalls his first appearance in Dublin in 1997.

He believed that those who attended Croke Park to watch his team play against the Chicago Bears were “understanding and digesting” the largely unheard game.

There was a common sense of curiosity among the 25, 000 or so people who entered the Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) headquarters for a game billed as the “American Bowl,” despite the fact that there were many American expatriates and local fanatics present.

Even the Hall of Fame running back, who scored a touchdown in the Steelers’ 30-17 victory, is more fond of the time spent enjoying what he refers to as Irish “hospitality” than anything that took place on the field of play.

With a 75, 000-sell-out crowd guaranteeing the historic fixture is the hottest ticket in town this weekend, the NFL will return to Dublin for the city’s first ever regular-season game against the Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Bettis told BBC Sport NI, “I think it shows that the NFL has grown in acceptance.”

“I anticipate that Croke Park jamming because the game has grown a lot more in Ireland.”

Bettis believes that technological advancements and the development of social media have contributed to the game’s exponential growth.

While those who were local supporters of the game in 1997 relied on a highlights show to stay informed about the games played the previous week, there are now numerous live competitions and related programming that are broadcast weekly.

Meanwhile, visiting stars like Aaron Rodgers of the Steelers and Justin Jefferson of the Vikings are closer than ever thanks to social media.

When you consider how the technology has evolved, “I believe it has allowed for players to be in your living room on a regular basis,” said Bettes.

You can now identify with the players thanks to TikTok and all these different media. You are aware of the quarterback’s status. You become a fan of the star wide receiver and their team because you are aware of who they are.

The Steelers’ visit in 1997 had a special significance for the organization because the Rooney family’s ancestors from Newry in County Down in the 1840s immigrated from there.

Indeed, it is believed that the team’s starters continued playing for longer than usual in an effort to secure what would normally be regarded as a simple victory due to the desire to mark the return to the Rooney family’s homeland with victory.

If that meant Bettis had a bigger pre-season workload than expected, he now has a chance to see more of the Emerald Isle this time around thanks to his ambassadorial role for the Steelers on Sunday’s game.

With visits to Belfast and Newry also on the itinerary, a round of golf at the K Club, where Rory McIlroy won the Irish Open this month, has proved to be a special highlight.

Bettis believes that Dublin’s first regular-season game won’t be its last due to the welcome received from the traveling contingent.

“You get a chance to experience the culture and people of Ireland when you visit as a fan and spectator.” It’s just a wonderful place and you get to interact with people a lot more.

The people have been fantastic to everyone, and I believe this will turn out to be a regular occurrence.

“I believe this is a commitment the NFL will make to Irish fans and demonstrate how significant it is,” he said.

Does Bettis think we might eventually see a full-time franchise on this side of the Atlantic given that Dublin will become the fourth city in Europe to host a regular-season game after London, Frankfurt, and Munich, and that Berlin and Madrid will follow suit in November?

He said, “I just think that question will continue to be raised as the game continues to expand.”