Steelers, Vikings Have Plenty of International History
Team flags are displayed on the field ahead of the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Nicky Hayes, NFL UK)
The last time the Steelers played overseas, they lost to the Minnesota Vikings–sparking a new era of Steelers football.
The Pittsburgh Steelers learned on Tuesday they will be playing host to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of their highly anticipated game in Ireland. The contest will make history as the first regular-season NFL game played in Ireland. Ironically, the last time the Steelers played across the pond, they also played against the Vikings.
Advertisement
Minnesota, of course, was the designated host of that matchup. In the 2013 preseason, the game looked like a promising battle between two fringe playoff teams. The Steelers missed the postseason the previous year while the Vikings managed to squeak in, losing their wildcard battle in Green Bay.
Pittsburgh Steelers' chairman Dan Rooney speaks on stage flanked by his son the team president Art Rooney II, right, and players tight end Heath Miller, left, and wide receiver Antonio Brown during an NFL fan rally event in Regent Street, London, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. The Minnesota Vikings are to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Wembley stadium in London on Sunday, Sept. 29 in a regular season NFL game. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Instead, both teams entered the game 0-3, desperately looking to get their first win of the season. Both the Vikings and Steelers had offensive debuts on tap with Matt Cassell going under center for Minnesota. Pittsburgh debuted what would be the start of a memorable run with the debut of second-round running back Le'Veon Bell.
Cassell led the Vikings to a quick 10-0 lead following a 70-yard touchdown strike to Greg Jennings. Ben Roethlisberger would answer by leading the Steelers down the field, which capped off with Bell's first career score–an eight-yard run to cap off an eight-play, 75-yard drive.
Advertisement
Pittsburgh's defense, going through transition, had a difficult time keeping up with the Minnesota offense, allowing a 60-yard Adrian Peterson touchdown run shortly after. Following another Viking field goal, Roethlisberger's squad found themselves down 20-10 at the half.
FILE – In this Oct. 1, 2017, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton, File)
Though Bell scored his second touchdown of the game to open the second half, Peterson answered with a second touchdown run of his own. Eventually, Minnesota pulled ahead 34-17 and staved the Steelers off in a 34-24 victory in London.
The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 0-4, and both teams eventually missed the postseason. The Vikings finished 5-10-1, fired head coach Leslie Frazier, and hired Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer as their new head coach.
Advertisement
The Steelers, however, finished their season 8-8 and barely missed the postseason. Roethlisberger, Bell, and Antonio Brown elevated late in the season, leading to the 'Killer B's' era. The trio, along with a young and rising offensive line, would become a strength for the Steel City.
This year, it may be unlikely to see a future ignite like we observed 12 years ago. However, the matchup in Ireland will be a big welcome for the black and gold. Not only for the viewing pleasure of Steelers fans, but the loyalty of the Rooney family to the Emerald Isle.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers, Vikings Have Plenty of International History
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Brett Favre's heartfelt reaction to Vikings legend Jim Marshall's passing
The post Brett Favre's heartfelt reaction to Vikings legend Jim Marshall's passing appeared first on ClutchPoints. Jim Marshall left a massive imprint on the football world, embodying the toughness and ferocity that defined the sport for so many decades. His legacy is especially powerful for those who have represented or rooted for the Minnesota Vikings. Current and former members of the organization sent their condolences following Marshall's passing on Tuesday. Advertisement Brett Favre, who donned the Purple and Gold for the last two years of his Hall of Fame career, can understand what it means to withstand grueling punishment year after year for the love of the game. He also knows what this man meant to The Gopher State. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback shared some kind words and reflected on No. 70's enduring impact. 'Man, I'll never forget the day I got to meet Jim Marshall — one of the true original Iron Men of the NFL,' Favre posted on X. 'Tough as nails, played 282 consecutive games as a defensive end… in an era when the game was as gritty and raw as it gets. 'Growing up watching guys like Jim, I learned what it meant to show up every single Sunday, no matter what. To have had the chance to shake his hand — and even play in front of him — was a real honor. 'Guys like Jim paved the way. They didn't ask for attention, they earned respect with every snap. I tried to bring that same mindset to the field every week. My condolences go out to him and his family — but he's certainly a legend among legends.' What Jim Marshall gave to the Vikings and their endlessly loyal fans Marshall's 270 consecutive starts rank only behind Favre's 297. The longtime defensive end congratulated the gunslinger in person for breaking his record, for he knows the physical and mental sacrifice required to post such an astonishing attendance record. Though, Marshall did far more than simply show up. Advertisement The No. 44 overall pick in the 1960 NFL Draft played 19 of his 20 seasons with Minnesota (began career with Cleveland Browns) and was a pivotal member of the iconic Purple People Eaters defense, which also consisted of Alan Page, Carl Eller and Gary Larsen. Marshall served a vital role during what is still the greatest era of Vikings football, helping the team reach the Super Bowl four separate times. Unfortunately, the team and community are still waiting for their first Lombardi Trophy. When impatience rises throughout Minneapolis, it is good to revisit or learn about the prosperous 1970s. Jim Marshall, who died at the age of 87 after a lengthy stay in the hospital, is responsible for so many of those memories. Yes, he also produced many chuckles via his infamous 'Wrong Way Run' in 1964, but the two-time Pro Bowl selection helped set the stage for the defensive warriors who have come after him, just as Favre noted. Marshall recorded 130.5 unofficial sacks (was not counted as a stat until 1982) and 29 opponent fumble recoveries in his storied NFL career. More than the numbers he accumulated, however, he breathed life into the Minnesota Vikings. The beloved captain was an inaugural member of the franchise and stayed connected to the team well after his retirement. He inspired Brett Favre and so many others, and by the sound of it, they will do their part to make sure his invaluable contributions are properly recognized moving forward. Related: Purple People Eaters legend who played 270 straight games passes away Related: 3 Minnesota Vikings hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to know
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Justin Jefferson's important message to Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
The post Justin Jefferson's important message to Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy appeared first on ClutchPoints. Justin Jefferson has done an excellent job of establishing himself as one of the elite receivers in the NFL. As Jefferson prepares for his sixth season with the Minnesota Vikings, he knows he can make the toughest catches under the most difficult of circumstances. However, Jefferson will be working with his third starting quarterback in the last three seasons, and that's a significant adjustment for any receiver. Advertisement Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy have been getting to know each other on and off the field. The new Vikings' starting quarterback takes over after Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins held down the position previously. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings coaching staff has confidence in McCarthy's ability, athleticism and make up, but he still has to learn the tendencies of Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson. The idea is to make sure the Vikings put a cohesive offense on the field. Jefferson is trying to let the new quarterback know that he is capable of making plays that other top receivers may not be able to execute. As a result, McCarthy has to know that Jefferson can make important plays when he appears to be covered. 'From what I've learned, I would say the difference between me and a different receiver is what I put on the top of my routes,' Jefferson said, per Kevin Seifert of 'The flavor I have on the tops, the stride length that I have with my routes, and just knowing certain routes that I'll break it off at a certain distance, that another receiver might break it off a little earlier, because of my stride length. So all of that just goes into play, and the more we're out here and just having those reps, the better we're going to be.' Jefferson can do it all, but he has plenty of help Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Jefferson is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. Jefferson caught 103 passes last year for 1,533 yards with 10 touchdowns. He has exceeded 100 catchers in three of his five seasons. Advertisement Fellow wideout Jordan Addison is one of the best big-play makers in the game. Addison has game-changing speed, and he may be the top No. 2 receiver in the NFL. Addison is going into his third year with the Vikings and he has been quite consistent in his first two years. He has caught 133-1,786-19 in his first two years with the Vikings and he should be a major threat once again. Hockenson is a very dangerous tight end and has been a key performer when he's in the lineup for the Vikings. After coming back from a 2023 knee injury, Hockenson caught 41 passes for 455 yards as he worked his way back into top playing condition. Related: Vikings QB JJ McCarthy reveals biggest goal for debut season Related: Rising Minnesota Vikings rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns already have plenty of ill will in their bitter AFC North rivalry, but Myles Garrett has stoked the flames with a lighthearted yet stern message to Aaron Rogders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns already have plenty of ill will in their bitter AFC North rivalry, but Myles Garrett has stoked the flames with a lighthearted yet stern message to Aaron Rogders. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The AFC North carries a rich history of rivalry and competition between the four combatants. Close geography and impassioned disdain usually make for grueling battles when the teams cross paths. Advertisement Given all the history and the connections between franchises, these games never really need any extra juice. Regardless of record or circumstance each of the four teams never have an issue getting up for these contests. The Cleveland Browns served as a perfect example of this phenomenon in 2024. A disastrous campaign that saw the team go 3-14 and lose starting quarterback Deshaun Watson did not keep them from being a thorn in the side of their rivals. Cleveland picked off both playoff teams that emerged from the North, beating the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in shocking upsets last season. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, defensive superstar Myles Garrett has already launched a bold callout of the latter. He sent a message to new Steelers quarterback Aaaron Rodgers Tuesday during media availability, claiming he wanted to put Aaron Rodgers "in the graveyard." The graveyard would seem to be a reference to a clever Halloween decoration at Garrett's home a few years ago, depicting tombstones of quarterbacks that had fallen victim to a sack on his part. Advertisement It may be in good fun but stands as a verifiable threat given Garrett's decorated resumé. The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has not had less than 12 sacks in a season since 2019. Garrett would be eager to at Rodgers' new No. 8 to his collection. Of the 102.5 sacks he has registered in his career, not one has come against Rodgers. To be fair, he has only gotten one chance which game in a game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 25, 2021. He will have two chances in 2025 to put that feather in his cap when the teams meet in Week 6 and Week 17. Related: Browns 'Formula' is Defense in 2025 Related: Ridiculous Prediction Has Browns Moving On From All QBs In 2026 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
