Rodgers Annoyed by Late Trip to Ireland: Steelers Ready for Game

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in Ireland: Anticipation for the Game and Irish Culture

Dublin – Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers touched down in Ireland on Friday morning, but the quarterback would have preferred to arrive earlier for Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park.

“It is what it is, but if the schedule had been a little different, if I could have chosen it, maybe we’ll arrive on Monday; Tuesday is the day off,” Rodgers commented in a press conference before training on Friday. “It’s good to get out, see some things. It looks like a beautiful country, from what I’ve seen in pictures.”

Aaron Rodgers

Sources from the league reported that NFL teams are responsible for their travel itineraries, but Steelers owner Art Rooney II indicated that they worked in conjunction with the league. Rooney added that the team made a “football decision” when determining the schedule.

“I also would have liked to have the guys here a few more days,” Rooney said. “But we’re in the middle of the season, so we had to do what’s best for the football aspect.”

Art Rooney II

The Steelers practiced in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Thursday before departing for Dublin on Thursday night, ahead of the NFL’s first regular season game in Ireland. The team is staying an hour from downtown Dublin, at a hotel that has training fields on its grounds. Rooney mentioned that the team will have some free time to explore the area and visit Dublin on Saturday afternoon.

“I have a family history in Ireland and Scotland, so I always wanted to come here,” Rodgers said. “… I’m a historian, so I know the geopolitical history of the area. I’m a big Guinness fan. I don’t really drink beer, but if I do, I drink Guinness. It’s not a lie, I’m telling you the truth. I’ve heard it tastes different on tap in Ireland than in the United States. I was in Northern Ireland, and it was great, but I’m excited to see what it tastes like here.”

Aaron Rodgers