NFL regular season games taking place in Ireland is a step closer after the league announced that both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars have been awarded rights to expand their brands and activities in Ireland.
The NFL launched the 'Global Markets Program' as it aims to spread the game internationally with teams getting awarded different territories.
Ireland had previously not been included but after a news release on Tuesday morning, both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking expand their brand in the country.
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It means that a game taking place in Ireland in the future is becoming increasingly likely.
There is no secret that owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers the Rooney family are proud of their Irish roots and the team played an NFL pre-season game in 1997 against the Chicago Bears in 1997.
The NFL is increasingly pushing the game global with three games taking place in London this year and two games taking place in Germany.
Ireland is no stranger to hosting American Football with college games often hosted in the capital.
Northwestern and Nebraska did battle last August at the Aviva Stadium and Notre Dame and Navy will return this August for the Emerald Isle Classic.
Of the announcement, Steelers President Art Rooney said: ""We are excited to have been granted the rights to engage more deeply with our fans in Ireland. My family has deep roots throughout Ireland and being able to connect with our fans across the Island is something special to our organization.
"My father did so much in Ireland during his lifetime, first as one of the founders of the Ireland Funds, then as Ambassador. We look forward to growing our fan base and the love of American football in the years to come."
The Steelers have promised to host viewing parties among other events while the Jacksonville Jaguars have said three players will come on tour to Ireland next year.
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