NFL Dublin: Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis believes ‘possibility exists’ for NFL franchise in Europe

With the ancestors of the Rooney family who own the Steelers having emigrated from Newry in County Down during the 1840s, the side’s visit in 1997 carried a special significance for the organisation.

Indeed, the desire to mark the return to the Rooney family’s homeland with victory was believed to have contributed to the side’s starters staying in the game for longer than customary in an effort to secure what would normally be considered a facile victory.

If that ensured a larger than expected pre-season workload for Bettis back then, his ambassadorial role for the Steelers at Sunday’s game means he has had the chance to see more of the Emerald Isle this time around.

A round of golf at the K Club, the venue for Rory McIlroy’s Irish Open victory this month, has proved a particular highlight with visits to Belfast and Newry also included in the itinerary.

The welcome bestowed upon the travelling contingent has left Bettis of the opinion that Dublin’s first regular-season game will not be its last.

“Coming as a fan and spectator, you get a chance to experience the culture here in Ireland and the people. You get a chance to interact a lot more and it’s just a wonderful place.

“The people have been fantastic to everyone, and I think this is going to be a recurring affair.

“I think this is a commitment the NFL is going to make to the fans of Ireland and show how important it is.”

As Dublin becomes the fourth European city to host a regular-season game after London, Frankfurt and Munich – Berlin and Madrid will follow suit in November – does Bettis believe we could one day see a full-time franchise on this side of the Atlantic?

“I just think as the game continues to expand, I think that question will continue to be raised,” he said.

“And as long as that question is being raised, then I think the possibility really exists.”