“I think we’re still optimistic that it’s going to happen. We’re hopefully going to have an announcement soon, but it’s not official until it’s official. We just have to wait until all those pieces fall into place.” The Steel City might not find anything exciting as the 2024 season ended with disappointment for them. But the 2025 year might start with a positive update for Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers, which even the franchise’s President Art Rooney II hinted about.

Steelers’s Prez Art Rooney II wished for an international game for the Black and Gold. He expressed that “….we’d love to be the first team to host a game in Ireland.” This came when the rumors of Mike Tomlin’s Steelers playing in Ireland in 2025 took over the internet. So, is this happening?

According to Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac, “Any day now, the NFL will announce Steelers are playing in Ireland in 2025 season. No opponent or date yet.” Yes! The rumors turned out to be true as the Steel City will play a regular season game in Ireland during the 2025 season. However, the date and opponent are expected to be announced sometime this week.

Even Steelers Ireland podcast host Jimmy English tweeted, “Steelers in Croke Park is being announced this week, according to a source. It’s happening!” And if this happens—for the first time  — they will be the home team in an international game. By NFL rules, teams must give up a home game for an overseas matchup at least once every eight years. So, now, as it’s Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh’s turn, they get Ireland as their destination.

Mike Tomlin’s Steelers have played abroad before in their 2013 game against the Vikings in London. And this time after 12 years, they will be gracing the Ireland stage. But that doesn’t mean they don’t know the island’s soil. Back in 1997, they played the Bears in a preseason game at Croke Park, winning 30-17. Now, nearly three decades later, they could be returning for a game that matters. But who could be their opponent this time? See, one thing’s for sure: it won’t be against a divisional rival.

The NFL won’t make teams play multiple international games in one season if they don’t want to. That rule already knocked a few teams out of the mix. As per recent announcements, the Colts are heading to Berlin and the Dolphins will play in Madrid. That leaves the Bills, Packers, Seahawks and Vikings. Now, the Vikes and Packers already played overseas last season, so they’re unlikely. That makes the Bills and Seahawks the strongest contenders. Nevertheless, till now, the NFL hasn’t made it official yet, but all signs point to one of them taking the field in Dublin. Now, as Mike Tomlin’s team is heading to undergo a location change this upcoming season, there are rumors that they might also see a drastic change in their roster.

Is Cooper Kupp ready to sign with Mike Tomlin’s Steelers?

The star wideout Cooper Kupp shook the internet on Monday. He revealed that the Los Angeles Rams intended to immediately trade him to a team. And as per new rumors, that team could be Mike Tomlin’s Steelers.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “As far as early teams that people are bantering about, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked into Cooper Kupp at the trade deadline last season; they still have a need there.” No doubt, Mike Tomlin has his receiver 1 in the form of George Pickens. But he still needs his second solid receiver on their roster, and who could be better than Kupp?

Cooper Kupp recorded 710 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 12 games during this regular season. Without a doubt, his eight years of experience, along with his Super Bowl LVI performance, will be an asset to any team he joins. Now, it remains to be seen whether that team will be Mike Tomlin’s or not.