The Pittsburgh Steelers made history by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in the first regular-season game the NFL has ever held in Ireland, played in Dublin. Aaron Rodgers delivered a standout performance as one of the leaders of the black & gold franchise and even shared an intriguing statement about his future.
It seems A-Rod felt right at home in Ireland. The veteran Steelers quarterback completed 18 of 22 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown, lifting Pittsburgh to a 3-1 record and giving the team major momentum early in the season with back-to-back wins.
The juiciest moment came just minutes after the win over Minnesota. Rodgers, clearly in high spirits, dropped a line that raised questions about his future. It’s worth noting that back in June, the Steelers quarterback had said he was “pretty sure” the 2025 season would be his last as a pro. Now, the next steps remain to be seen.
Rodgers’ intriguing comment about his future
During the postgame celebration, Rodgers delivered a line that fueled speculation: “We wish we could come back next year!” While the remark was in reference to the team’s desire to return to Ireland, it carries a possible double meaning. Beyond speaking about the international event, it adds fuel to the idea that Rodgers might not be ready to walk away after this season.
His postgame comment in Ireland suggests that even if his original plan was to retire, Rodgers could be considering extending his career another year if the circumstances are right. The fact that Pittsburgh signed him to only a one-year deal reinforces the idea of a free decision, avoiding long-term commitments and allowing him to ease into what could be his final chapter.
Keys to the victory over the Vikings
The Steelers showed their superiority over Minnesota, especially through the first three quarters. While the Vikings mounted an aggressive comeback attempt late in the game, Pittsburgh forced its opponent into costly mistakes by heavily pressuring quarterback Carson Wentz. Head coach Mike Tomlin’s team contained Minnesota’s offense for most of the matchup, racking up six sacks and two interceptions.