NFL Commissioner says Ireland is ‘definitely on the watch list’ to host game

Aviva Stadium recently hosted the first overseas game in college football history.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has dropped a major hint that Dublin could be a future destination to host a major game.

The American businessman was speaking to analyst Pat McAfee on his YouTube talk show when the former punter asked him whether or not he would be bringing the NFL to Ireland anytime soon.

"Ireland is definitely on the watch list for an NFL game and I would expect that we'll get over there..

You're coming with us" ~ @nflcommish

We would DEFINITELY be there #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/bkiuMTaLSP

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 4, 2024

Goodell said that the league expects to continue opening new international markets and putting more games in the countries where the NFL is growing its fan base.

"We want the world to know we're coming, that we're bringing football," Goodell said. 

"Our clubs have agreed to play up to eight regular-season games. We have expectations that will go well beyond that. We think we'll be seven next year, we're already going to Spain next year, and we'll be back in Mexico I hope by next year, so we're really excited about where the future is for us on an international basis."

He added that the Rooney family — who own the Pittsburgh Steelers — have been in touch about returning to Ireland.

McAfee received a warm welcome when he brought his viral show to Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic last month.

Florida State took on Georgia Tech at the Aviva Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd, and videos posted to social media showed McAfee and WEE superstar Sheamus downing pints of Guinness during a live broadcast from Mahon's Pub in the city centre.

It feels like we're gonna HAMMER 100 beers 😂😂#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/tceJqQyHqf

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 23, 2024

Sao Paulo will host Thursday's game between Green Bay and Philadelphia as the league visits Brazil for the first time.

London and Munich are also hosting games in the 2024 season.

Ireland has had a long-running relationship with the NFL.

The Pittsburgh Steelers played a pre-season game against the Chicago Bears at Croke Park in 1997, while Kerry Gaelic footballer Paudie Clifford announced one of the team’s picks in the NFL Draft earlier this year.

Dublin's pubs can expect to be overrun with Pat McAfee fans once again when the NFL finally brings a game to the Irish capital.

"You're coming with us," Goodell told the former Indianapolis Colts kicker.