April 18, 2025 • 15 mins
Michael is joined by Steelers reporter Missi Matthews, who rejoins the podcast as we enter the final week ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Missi recalls her NFL Draft memories and looks ahead to a historic game later this year in Dublin.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Everybody. Welcome into the Irish Hears podcast. As we are
one week out from the twenty twenty five NFL Draft.
The Irish Theaters Podcast is presented by aer Lingus and
Steelers Nation. It's time to take flight with aer Lingus,
an official partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a founding
partner of Steelers Ireland. There has never been a better
(01:01):
time to book your trip to Dublin. With nineteen North
American gateways, including flights from nearby Cleveland to get ready
for warm, Irish hospitality and plenty of room on board
for your terrible title, whether it's a game day or
a getaway. Airlingus looks forward to saying you're very welcome
to the players and the fans of the Pittsburgh Staters.
You can book now at aerlingus dot com. And we
(01:24):
are getting closer and closer to the draft. As I said,
next week. At the time we're recording, we are one
week out and it's a really big, big week for
this team. Obviously, we're going to react to the draft picks,
to the things that happen next week, and we know
this is such an unpredictable draft, as every NFL draft is,
(01:45):
but we got some fantastic things to look forward to.
On this podcast, we have Missy Matthews coming on today,
but just very quickly to remind everyone that we have
an absolutely huge day next Saturday in the iconic Crow
Park Stadium in Dublin where the Pittsburgh Staelers will play
later this year. We've got two time Super Bowl champion
Brett Keesl joining us from Cokee Park as the Stators
(02:09):
hoster first ever NFL Draft party on the Isle of
the Ireland and it's actually the first ever official NFL
Draft party on the island of Ireland for an NFL team.
If you remember last year we had Carrie Footballer party,
Clifford making a pick from Carrie. Who knows what's going
to happen this year, Really really excited to see what happens.
That is sold out and props to every Staters fan
(02:32):
and every member of Steelers Nation that has bought tickets
and show under support for the Steelers efforts in Ireland.
From that, I'm going to be in Greenbay for Round
one and I'm going to be over at that party,
so I will see you on Saturday and we're so
excited for that party next weekend. For now, we have
got a great interview today with somebody that works closely
with all forms of Staters media. A fantastic chance to
(02:55):
chat ahead of the NFL Draft to Missy Matthews on
the Irish Theaters podcast. Absolutely delighted this week to have
on the Irish Staters Podcast the present of Erlingus Fantastic
Black and Back Missy Matthew's back to the podcast. As
we get ever closer to the NFL Draft, we are
a week or so out from mister Goodell opening the
(03:16):
draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Missy, You're very very welcome Falsa.
As we say, how are you doing.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
I'm doing great, good to be back, excited to be here,
and I am still in shock that the NFL Draft
is next week. It feels like this offseason just went
really quickly. But it's always cool to see, you know,
hopes and dreams come true. As you said, with Roger
Goateell Goodell announcing them, who gets a hug?
Speaker 4 (03:38):
Who doesn't want to hug the commissioner? And it's it's
cool to see.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
It's going to be a really interesting week. I have
the great opportunity to head to Green Bay for run
one and I'm going to be back home for the
third round going forward on the Saturday, and a lot
of people listening to this will know what's happening. Obviously.
We're going to have brat Keesel come out to cook
Park Soul at watch party for the staters next weekend.
Really really cool, MESSI have you had a chance to
see much of the content from We've had a couple
(04:06):
of watch parties now and I this party as well.
Next week. Let's just say Irish funds European funds are
very passionate about this team.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
I am so pumped for you guys that Bret Hezel
is coming over. He is hands down one of my
favorite Steelers players, just all around good.
Speaker 4 (04:23):
Dude, knows how to fire up a crowd.
Speaker 3 (04:25):
Not that, as you said, you guys are going to
need any help doing that, but even Pat Fryarmouth I
caught up with him a little bit after he got
back from his trip to Ireland and had nothing but
good things to say. So I'm very anxious and excited
to see what the video and the scene looks like
at Croke Part for the party that you guys are having,
because it's probably gonna be a lot more fun and
(04:47):
a lot more excitement than we're going to have in
the studio as we cover the draft.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
But still, that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Really looking forward to that, and I'm really looking forward
to see so many staters fonds next week in Dublin.
So if you are coming, do let us know and
we will definitely say hello to you. It's it's really
the perfect time, the hobbit in between the NFL season
ending on the next one start and then we'll talk
with that in a few moments MESSI, what's your what's
your plan next week? And what is draft night like
for you as somebody works with a team. Obviously in
(05:17):
the media side of.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
Things, well, it will start.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Usually coach Seanlin and Omar Khan will hold a press
conference before the draft on Monday or Tuesday, kind of
answer all of the questions, set the tone of what
the team's looking for, you know, positions that are deep,
things that have changed since the last time they spoke
at the owner's meetings or even going back to the combine.
So that kind of gives you a gist of what
they're doing. They're not going to sit there and tell you, hey,
(05:40):
here's our plan, here's what we're going to do. Since
we don't have a second round draft pick for league,
here's who we're taking in the first that none of
that stuff happens, but you still kind of get a
general gist of where they sit at that point prior
to the draft, and then on draft night, it's it's
a lot of excitement, but it is a lot of
waiting because you have to wait till this dealers pick.
(06:00):
And obviously in recent years and years prior we've moved
up before, so that can also be exciting because you're
sitting there thinking maybe you have five draft picks, three, ten,
whatever it is, and then you get the call that
someone from upstairs in the war room, you know, is
letting the masses know that they're moving up. And it's
just always cool to hear and see from the coaches.
(06:22):
You know, they do so much homework that goes into
scouting these guys, not just their last year in college,
but prior to that. Coach Tumlin's always famous for saying
it pro days, you always ask older guys, hey, show
me somebody who's young and upcoming, and who I might
be back here to scout next year or the year after.
In that process really is, you know, years long. The
(06:43):
work that goes in by the coaching staff, the scouts,
it's just crazy and it all, you know, just happens,
and it's unpredictable. I think the fact that there hasn't
been a lot of movement in the first round is
something we haven't been used to in terms of just
overall in the NFL. So you never know if at
three o'clock on Thursday that might happen. But just a
lot of excitement covering the draft is by far one
(07:04):
of my favorite things to do.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
Some massive names have obviously been drafted by the Steelers
in recent years. TJ. A. Watt for one, more recently
Naji Haras as well Alan thanaka Rod Woodson to the
name Go Terry Bradshaw and go down. So many different
guys have been drafted in the first round through recent years,
and it sounds like you're all gonna be very busy
over the next week or so long. We want to
(07:27):
wish you the very very best there. You know, you've
been with the team since around twenty twelve. You know
what's been your favorite draft night? Do you have a
favorite draft night? Or is it? They're all very much
to see him.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
I think they're all different because there have been times
where the Steelers have moved. You know, the COVID draft
is weird and horrible as it was because I literally
was sitting where I am now in my kitchen in
my house. Coaches were at their houses, nobody was together.
The Steelers didn't have a first round draft pick that
year because that was part of the make of Fitzpatrick trade,
(08:00):
so their first pick wasn't until Day two. So it
was very weird, but just kind of realizing what was
going on in the state of the world, and the
NFL draft just kept going.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
Roger Goodell is in his own house, so that one
stands out.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
But I think the Ryan Chaseier draft, that's one that
always sticks out in my head. Even getting a chance
to pick them up from the airport the next day,
stuff onto it. Two guys that just instantly became really
great friends and met so much to that defense. You
were kind of at the point where they were doing
the changing of the guard of the guys who were
there prior to them and bringing those guys in and
(08:36):
just seeing what they were able to do.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
That's one of the drafts that sticks out in my
mind for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
It's a promises to be a really memorable ekend next
week next week, and we're really really excited for it.
Would recommend everyone follow along obviously and Messy channels the
Staters media channels on our channels as well for a
lot more information. MESSI you are one of the people
we've had on the hot experience of going to the
Staters live game internationally, which was against the Vikings in
(09:03):
London and twenty thirteen. One thing has changed since we
last spoke to each hour and not obviously now is
the confirmation of this game that's going to take place
in Dublin out of d a TBC and an opponent TBC.
We hope to hear news and not over the next
few weeks. First off, it's been a long time common,
you know, do you feel like it's finally here. It's
(09:23):
great to see it actually happening, and especially for a
team like the Staters who have waited such a long
time for this to happen again.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
I'm shocked that it got past ten years, let alone
longer than that, because, as you said, it was twenty thirteen.
It's crazy to think about. That was Le'veyon Bell's rookie season.
His first touchdown was in Wembley's Stadium against the Vikings.
It was a loss, but I still remember the front
flip that he did to celebrate it. But yeah, I
am shocked that the Steelers haven't gone international sooner. The
(09:53):
last time we spoke though, we were both you know,
very excited and wanting it to be in Ireland. So
I'm pumped that that has been confirmed. I get asked
daily by neighbors, friends, people I don't even know, you know,
when is the game because people that's information they want
to know, and as you said, hopefully you know, closer
to the schedule release or that night, whenever the NFL
(10:13):
decides to do it, we'll.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
Find out when and who the opponent will be.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
But just the fact that it's confirmed and in Ireland,
and just something totally different for the Steelers. They obviously
were there for a preseason game, but I think being
able to be the first regular season game, knowing what
Ireland needs to the Rooney family, it's certainly special, to
say the very least, and I think even coach Tomlin
always talks about what an honor it is to take
part in things like that, and remembering what Ambassador Rooney
(10:41):
DMR as we all called.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
Him, would think about what is happening.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
It's very special when you think about it.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
It really is. And it's one thing that we have
asked people each week on this podcast and the off
season what it means to them, and it's really cool
Massy to hear just different stories and different views of
opinion as well. You know, you men, different people stop
out of the asking you what's the mood like in
the building. Because when I had the chance and you
brought up a really good point, had the chance to
meet pot Fire move over here, and he was just
(11:09):
so excited. Like but at the same time, there seems
to be a genuine, just real, real excitement and I
just can't wait for the hop Inlaye to be honest.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yeah, I think even you know, for the football players
who clearly have the means to travel and do different
things that they want, it's still something cool in the
fact that you're playing a game on international.
Speaker 4 (11:29):
Soil and knowing that it is going to be a
home game.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
I think we all can can say that we know
what Kroke Park is going to look like when the
Steelers roll into that place. I think, you know, you
just everyone has the appreciation and you can still be
in awe when you go to a road game and
you see the terrible tiles and black and gold taking over.
But to do it in Ireland, I can't even imagine
what that atmosphere is going to be.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Like.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
I remember stepping out on the pitch at Wembley and
just being like, holy crap.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
First of all, that place is huge.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Yeah, the open air, it was just breathtaking. It's you know,
places that you see on TV or on the internet,
and for me that was my second time going to London.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
That's my dog.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Sorry and fine, he's excited about Ireland too, apparently, probably
not when I leave. But yeah, I'm just super pumped,
and I think everybody is too, and even inside the building,
everybody wants to know when and who it's.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Going to be interesting to see. And I think that's
what makes it so special because it has been so long.
We will find out, I'm sure over the next few
weeks what happens, and we can't wait to see you
over there to see as well. I think we're shotting
the Max Starks. He's really excited as well. So it's
going to fly in And one thing that has flown
and so far really has been I'm calling the NFL
off season, but you know what, I know, it's not
(12:48):
really an off season. When you get the combine in
your free agency, you've got the draft next week, you've
get ots coming up, all these different things, You've got
the chances to sit down and shot with a number
of different pickups at Darius Sleigh is one of them.
What's it like actually having the opportunity to sit down
and shot to these guys as the andra to building
for the first time in a lot of cases, and
they get to know this team, albeit months out from
(13:10):
actually setting foot in the field.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
I think it's cool.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
It's not the same as the draftees when they come
in because they have no idea where they're going. Free agency,
you have some say you might not have an offer
from all thirty two teams, but usually you're helping pick
based off of the teams that are, you know, vying
for your services. But still, you know. Darius Slay was
just so appreciative. It was very complimentary of coach Tomlin
(13:34):
as a lot of guys are. The fact that he
doesn't really know him but just knows him from playing him,
and what he's seen and how much he wanted to
be in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 4 (13:41):
It was very clear, and I think for.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
DK Metcap it was like, Okay, I've I watched you
in person and Seattle play, and you are a large
human being. But now I am standing next to you
and you are a very very large human being. It's
always impressive to me when you see them in person,
because of course they look big on TV, but then
when you can size them up, you realize, like that
guy is a specimen and what he's able to do
(14:05):
on the football field is special and he was very
very excited.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
His fiance was with him just to be there. So nice.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
I can't say enough good things about those two guys
that I had a chance to interact with one on one.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
It's been really like cool to see these new guys
comeing to building, but obviously as well to see all
the content that's been home allowed, especially over the last
few months since the game has been announced. Messie look
just from all of us, the very very best to
look next week as the NFL Draft rolls and the
Green Band the best look to all of you in
Pittsburgh getting ready for that night itself and that big
weekend than the days of follow and we look forward
(14:39):
to be chatting to you closer to the game later
on this year. Thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Yeah, thank you for having me have fun in Green
bayby not too much fun. We'll see in Pittsburgh next
year for the twenty twenty six draft.
Speaker 4 (14:49):
That would be more fun.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Irish Airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five, as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one excel Or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(15:24):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers.
Fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Irish airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one xl or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(00:21):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers
fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Everybody. Welcome into the Irish Hears podcast. As we are
one week out from the twenty twenty five NFL Draft.
The Irish Theaters Podcast is presented by aer Lingus and
Steelers Nation. It's time to take flight with aer Lingus,
an official partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a founding
partner of Steelers Ireland. There has never been a better
(01:01):
time to book your trip to Dublin. With nineteen North
American gateways, including flights from nearby Cleveland to get ready
for warm, Irish hospitality and plenty of room on board
for your terrible title, whether it's a game day or
a getaway. Airlingus looks forward to saying you're very welcome
to the players and the fans of the Pittsburgh Staters.
You can book now at aerlingus dot com. And we
(01:24):
are getting closer and closer to the draft. As I said,
next week. At the time we're recording, we are one
week out and it's a really big, big week for
this team. Obviously, we're going to react to the draft picks,
to the things that happen next week, and we know
this is such an unpredictable draft, as every NFL draft is,
(01:45):
but we got some fantastic things to look forward to.
On this podcast, we have Missy Matthews coming on today,
but just very quickly to remind everyone that we have
an absolutely huge day next Saturday in the iconic Crow
Park Stadium in Dublin where the Pittsburgh Staelers will play
later this year. We've got two time Super Bowl champion
Brett Keesl joining us from Cokee Park as the Stators
(02:09):
hoster first ever NFL Draft party on the Isle of
the Ireland and it's actually the first ever official NFL
Draft party on the island of Ireland for an NFL team.
If you remember last year we had Carrie Footballer party,
Clifford making a pick from Carrie. Who knows what's going
to happen this year, Really really excited to see what happens.
That is sold out and props to every Staters fan
(02:32):
and every member of Steelers Nation that has bought tickets
and show under support for the Steelers efforts in Ireland.
From that, I'm going to be in Greenbay for Round
one and I'm going to be over at that party,
so I will see you on Saturday and we're so
excited for that party next weekend. For now, we have
got a great interview today with somebody that works closely
with all forms of Staters media. A fantastic chance to
(02:55):
chat ahead of the NFL Draft to Missy Matthews on
the Irish Theaters podcast. Absolutely delighted this week to have
on the Irish Staters Podcast the present of Erlingus Fantastic
Black and Back Missy Matthew's back to the podcast. As
we get ever closer to the NFL Draft, we are
a week or so out from mister Goodell opening the
(03:16):
draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Missy, You're very very welcome Falsa.
As we say, how are you doing.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
I'm doing great, good to be back, excited to be here,
and I am still in shock that the NFL Draft
is next week. It feels like this offseason just went
really quickly. But it's always cool to see, you know,
hopes and dreams come true. As you said, with Roger
Goateell Goodell announcing them, who gets a hug?
Speaker 4 (03:38):
Who doesn't want to hug the commissioner? And it's it's
cool to see.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
It's going to be a really interesting week. I have
the great opportunity to head to Green Bay for run
one and I'm going to be back home for the
third round going forward on the Saturday, and a lot
of people listening to this will know what's happening. Obviously.
We're going to have brat Keesel come out to cook
Park Soul at watch party for the staters next weekend.
Really really cool, MESSI have you had a chance to
see much of the content from We've had a couple
(04:06):
of watch parties now and I this party as well.
Next week. Let's just say Irish funds European funds are
very passionate about this team.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
I am so pumped for you guys that Bret Hezel
is coming over. He is hands down one of my
favorite Steelers players, just all around good.
Speaker 4 (04:23):
Dude, knows how to fire up a crowd.
Speaker 3 (04:25):
Not that, as you said, you guys are going to
need any help doing that, but even Pat Fryarmouth I
caught up with him a little bit after he got
back from his trip to Ireland and had nothing but
good things to say. So I'm very anxious and excited
to see what the video and the scene looks like
at Croke Part for the party that you guys are having,
because it's probably gonna be a lot more fun and
(04:47):
a lot more excitement than we're going to have in
the studio as we cover the draft.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
But still, that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
Really looking forward to that, and I'm really looking forward
to see so many staters fonds next week in Dublin.
So if you are coming, do let us know and
we will definitely say hello to you. It's it's really
the perfect time, the hobbit in between the NFL season
ending on the next one start and then we'll talk
with that in a few moments MESSI, what's your what's
your plan next week? And what is draft night like
for you as somebody works with a team. Obviously in
(05:17):
the media side of.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
Things, well, it will start.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
Usually coach Seanlin and Omar Khan will hold a press
conference before the draft on Monday or Tuesday, kind of
answer all of the questions, set the tone of what
the team's looking for, you know, positions that are deep,
things that have changed since the last time they spoke
at the owner's meetings or even going back to the combine.
So that kind of gives you a gist of what
they're doing. They're not going to sit there and tell you, hey,
(05:40):
here's our plan, here's what we're going to do. Since
we don't have a second round draft pick for league,
here's who we're taking in the first that none of
that stuff happens, but you still kind of get a
general gist of where they sit at that point prior
to the draft, and then on draft night, it's it's
a lot of excitement, but it is a lot of
waiting because you have to wait till this dealers pick.
(06:00):
And obviously in recent years and years prior we've moved
up before, so that can also be exciting because you're
sitting there thinking maybe you have five draft picks, three, ten,
whatever it is, and then you get the call that
someone from upstairs in the war room, you know, is
letting the masses know that they're moving up. And it's
just always cool to hear and see from the coaches.
(06:22):
You know, they do so much homework that goes into
scouting these guys, not just their last year in college,
but prior to that. Coach Tumlin's always famous for saying
it pro days, you always ask older guys, hey, show
me somebody who's young and upcoming, and who I might
be back here to scout next year or the year after.
In that process really is, you know, years long. The
(06:43):
work that goes in by the coaching staff, the scouts,
it's just crazy and it all, you know, just happens,
and it's unpredictable. I think the fact that there hasn't
been a lot of movement in the first round is
something we haven't been used to in terms of just
overall in the NFL. So you never know if at
three o'clock on Thursday that might happen. But just a
lot of excitement covering the draft is by far one
(07:04):
of my favorite things to do.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
Some massive names have obviously been drafted by the Steelers
in recent years. TJ. A. Watt for one, more recently
Naji Haras as well Alan thanaka Rod Woodson to the
name Go Terry Bradshaw and go down. So many different
guys have been drafted in the first round through recent years,
and it sounds like you're all gonna be very busy
over the next week or so long. We want to
(07:27):
wish you the very very best there. You know, you've
been with the team since around twenty twelve. You know
what's been your favorite draft night? Do you have a
favorite draft night? Or is it? They're all very much
to see him.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
I think they're all different because there have been times
where the Steelers have moved. You know, the COVID draft
is weird and horrible as it was because I literally
was sitting where I am now in my kitchen in
my house. Coaches were at their houses, nobody was together.
The Steelers didn't have a first round draft pick that
year because that was part of the make of Fitzpatrick trade,
(08:00):
so their first pick wasn't until Day two. So it
was very weird, but just kind of realizing what was
going on in the state of the world, and the
NFL draft just kept going.
Speaker 4 (08:11):
Roger Goodell is in his own house, so that one
stands out.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
But I think the Ryan Chaseier draft, that's one that
always sticks out in my head. Even getting a chance
to pick them up from the airport the next day,
stuff onto it. Two guys that just instantly became really
great friends and met so much to that defense. You
were kind of at the point where they were doing
the changing of the guard of the guys who were
there prior to them and bringing those guys in and
(08:36):
just seeing what they were able to do.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
That's one of the drafts that sticks out in my
mind for sure.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
It's a promises to be a really memorable ekend next
week next week, and we're really really excited for it.
Would recommend everyone follow along obviously and Messy channels the
Staters media channels on our channels as well for a
lot more information. MESSI you are one of the people
we've had on the hot experience of going to the
Staters live game internationally, which was against the Vikings in
(09:03):
London and twenty thirteen. One thing has changed since we
last spoke to each hour and not obviously now is
the confirmation of this game that's going to take place
in Dublin out of d a TBC and an opponent TBC.
We hope to hear news and not over the next
few weeks. First off, it's been a long time common,
you know, do you feel like it's finally here. It's
(09:23):
great to see it actually happening, and especially for a
team like the Staters who have waited such a long
time for this to happen again.
Speaker 3 (09:30):
I'm shocked that it got past ten years, let alone
longer than that, because, as you said, it was twenty thirteen.
It's crazy to think about. That was Le'veyon Bell's rookie season.
His first touchdown was in Wembley's Stadium against the Vikings.
It was a loss, but I still remember the front
flip that he did to celebrate it. But yeah, I
am shocked that the Steelers haven't gone international sooner. The
(09:53):
last time we spoke though, we were both you know,
very excited and wanting it to be in Ireland. So
I'm pumped that that has been confirmed. I get asked
daily by neighbors, friends, people I don't even know, you know,
when is the game because people that's information they want
to know, and as you said, hopefully you know, closer
to the schedule release or that night, whenever the NFL
(10:13):
decides to do it, we'll.
Speaker 4 (10:15):
Find out when and who the opponent will be.
Speaker 3 (10:17):
But just the fact that it's confirmed and in Ireland,
and just something totally different for the Steelers. They obviously
were there for a preseason game, but I think being
able to be the first regular season game, knowing what
Ireland needs to the Rooney family, it's certainly special, to
say the very least, and I think even coach Tomlin
always talks about what an honor it is to take
part in things like that, and remembering what Ambassador Rooney
(10:41):
DMR as we all called.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
Him, would think about what is happening.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
It's very special when you think about it.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
It really is. And it's one thing that we have
asked people each week on this podcast and the off
season what it means to them, and it's really cool
Massy to hear just different stories and different views of
opinion as well. You know, you men, different people stop
out of the asking you what's the mood like in
the building. Because when I had the chance and you
brought up a really good point, had the chance to
meet pot Fire move over here, and he was just
(11:09):
so excited. Like but at the same time, there seems
to be a genuine, just real, real excitement and I
just can't wait for the hop Inlaye to be honest.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Yeah, I think even you know, for the football players
who clearly have the means to travel and do different
things that they want, it's still something cool in the
fact that you're playing a game on international.
Speaker 4 (11:29):
Soil and knowing that it is going to be a
home game.
Speaker 3 (11:32):
I think we all can can say that we know
what Kroke Park is going to look like when the
Steelers roll into that place. I think, you know, you
just everyone has the appreciation and you can still be
in awe when you go to a road game and
you see the terrible tiles and black and gold taking over.
But to do it in Ireland, I can't even imagine
what that atmosphere is going to be.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Like.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
I remember stepping out on the pitch at Wembley and
just being like, holy crap.
Speaker 4 (11:57):
First of all, that place is huge.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
Yeah, the open air, it was just breathtaking. It's you know,
places that you see on TV or on the internet,
and for me that was my second time going to London.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
That's my dog.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Sorry and fine, he's excited about Ireland too, apparently, probably
not when I leave. But yeah, I'm just super pumped,
and I think everybody is too, and even inside the building,
everybody wants to know when and who it's.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
Going to be interesting to see. And I think that's
what makes it so special because it has been so long.
We will find out, I'm sure over the next few
weeks what happens, and we can't wait to see you
over there to see as well. I think we're shotting
the Max Starks. He's really excited as well. So it's
going to fly in And one thing that has flown
and so far really has been I'm calling the NFL
off season, but you know what, I know, it's not
(12:48):
really an off season. When you get the combine in
your free agency, you've got the draft next week, you've
get ots coming up, all these different things, You've got
the chances to sit down and shot with a number
of different pickups at Darius Sleigh is one of them.
What's it like actually having the opportunity to sit down
and shot to these guys as the andra to building
for the first time in a lot of cases, and
they get to know this team, albeit months out from
(13:10):
actually setting foot in the field.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
I think it's cool.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
It's not the same as the draftees when they come
in because they have no idea where they're going. Free agency,
you have some say you might not have an offer
from all thirty two teams, but usually you're helping pick
based off of the teams that are, you know, vying
for your services. But still, you know. Darius Slay was
just so appreciative. It was very complimentary of coach Tomlin
(13:34):
as a lot of guys are. The fact that he
doesn't really know him but just knows him from playing him,
and what he's seen and how much he wanted to
be in Pittsburgh.
Speaker 4 (13:41):
It was very clear, and I think for.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
DK Metcap it was like, Okay, I've I watched you
in person and Seattle play, and you are a large
human being. But now I am standing next to you
and you are a very very large human being. It's
always impressive to me when you see them in person,
because of course they look big on TV, but then
when you can size them up, you realize, like that
guy is a specimen and what he's able to do
(14:05):
on the football field is special and he was very
very excited.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
His fiance was with him just to be there. So nice.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
I can't say enough good things about those two guys
that I had a chance to interact with one on one.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
It's been really like cool to see these new guys
comeing to building, but obviously as well to see all
the content that's been home allowed, especially over the last
few months since the game has been announced. Messie look
just from all of us, the very very best to
look next week as the NFL Draft rolls and the
Green Band the best look to all of you in
Pittsburgh getting ready for that night itself and that big
weekend than the days of follow and we look forward
(14:39):
to be chatting to you closer to the game later
on this year. Thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Yeah, thank you for having me have fun in Green
bayby not too much fun. We'll see in Pittsburgh next
year for the twenty twenty six draft.
Speaker 4 (14:49):
That would be more fun.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Irish Airline aer Lingus will proudly serve as the presenting
partner of Steelers Ireland twenty twenty five. Airlingus's growth in
North America continues in twenty twenty five, as the airline
prepares to fly to two new US destinations, Nashville and Indianapolis,
using its new Airbus eight three twenty one excel Or aircraft.
This brings the number of transatlantic routes operated by the
(15:24):
airline from Dublin, Shannon and Manchester to twenty four. Steelers.
Fans traveling to Ireland for the Big Game can enjoy
a relaxing journey when they fly with air Lingus. Air Lingus,
You're very welcome.
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