Entire Dublin Stadium Rises to Honor Former Steelers Chairman & U.S. Ambassador Dan Rooney — A Tribute Like No Other
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ historic game in Ireland turned into more than football. Before kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings, the entire Aviva Stadium rose in unison to honor the late Dan Rooney, Pittsburgh’s beloved former chairman and U.S. Ambassador.
Most of the Steelers’ current roster never met Rooney, but the tribute was impossible to miss. Fans in Ireland waved black-and-gold flags alongside Irish tricolors, chanting his name as a video montage played across giant stadium screens.
Mike Tomlin, who often credits Rooney for giving him his head coaching opportunity back in 2007, was visibly moved. “We talked a lot about the late, great Ambassador Rooney last night. I know he’s smiling,”
Tomlin said.
Linebacker Patrick Queen revealed Tomlin became emotional the night before the game. “He got teary-eyed and everything. You could tell how much it meant to him. That’s when we knew this game was about more than football.”
On the field, the Steelers delivered. DeShon Elliott, returning from a sprained MCL, produced a sack and interception. Keeanu Benton added another sack, saying afterward the tribute made him feel connected to a leader he never met.
Veteran corner Darius Slay explained how Tomlin’s words set the tone. “He reminded us what this trip was really about. We weren’t just playing to win — we were here to honor the man who built this bridge.”
The energy in Aviva Stadium matched that mission. Thousands of Irish fans stood shoulder to shoulder with Steelers Nation, uniting in applause that echoed through Dublin. It was more than a game — it was a shared legacy.
For the Steelers, the 24-21 victory over Minnesota will be remembered not only as a win abroad, but as the night Ireland and Pittsburgh together paid tribute to Dan Rooney in a way no one will ever forget.
Shane Steichen Puts Colts CB On Notice After Rams WRs Expose Defensive Woes
There has finally been a stir in the Indianapolis Colts. In the last few weeks, many have pointed out a glaring issue with the team’s cornerback who have been targeted by almost all of their opponents. After the team’s first loss, the Colts’ Coach
Addressing the issues with the Colts’ CB, Xavien Howard’s struggles, the coach backed up the player. “
He also addressed wide receiver AD Mitchell’s fumble and called it “hard to explain that situation.” He further added, “
And what could have been a big moment turned out to be a mistake. Before the coach, Mitchell had already called the mistake “unacceptable.” “Just a play that can’t happen,
But this wasn’t the only issue with the Colts. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has had an impressive record in the last 3 games, threw two interceptions. He threw his first interceptions on the first drive. The second interception was even more painful because of the timing.
With just a minute left, all three timeouts in hand, and the Colts needing a touchdown to tie the game, Jones went for a deep shot to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
There were, unfortunately, too many penalties. The team was flagged 11 times for 88 yards of penalties. As for now, the Colts’ concern is their CB.
The Colts’ defense has serious issues, and Shane Steichen must fix them fast
The CB has been targeted multiple times this season. Howard sat out all of 2024 with an injury. And in the first four games, opponent teams have consistently targeted him for big gains. Those issues were in the spotlight in the game against the Rams as well.
Howard struggled heavily in coverage against the Rams, allowing 7 receptions on 9 targets for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks attacking him posted a near-perfect 155.6 passer rating, and that speaks volumes about the CB’s issues in the game.
The Rams used wide receiver Puka Nakua in every way possible to push Howard. Nacua ended up with 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Howard was struggling to keep up.
This is the first loss for the Colts, but the struggles aren’t new for the CB. So, coach Shane Steichen must fix the issue before the team lands in more trouble.
