The offseason is often a time for players to explore new places and take in different cultures. Two current Steelers players and one Steelers legend did just that in two countries where the team has a strong fan base and NFL Global Marketing rights.
Earlier this month, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson visited Ireland and safety Miles Killebrew spent time in Germany, enjoying the respective cultures, including the local sports scene, cuisine and historical sights.
Freiermuth and Woodson spent the better part of a week in Ireland and were able to enjoy a number of different experiences in Ireland. Freiermuth was able to take in a Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and France, as well as serve a coin toss captain for an American Football Ireland game. Woodson was able to learn about Gaelic football and hurling from two GAA stars. Freiermuth and Woodson together tasted Irish street food, attended an NFL Flag event at Croke Park, followed by a tour of the stadium.
Croke Park is the venue in which the Steelers will play in Dublin during the 2025 season.
"I enjoyed it a lot," said Freiermuth. "Before I came here to Dublin, I was very excited that we get to play in Ireland, and then experiencing this trip, the rugby match and seeing the fans, it makes me even more excited to be a part of it and playing in front of these fans. They talk about American football a lot, so it's cool to bring the game to them. It was an amazing visit."
This was Woodson's fourth trip to Ireland and he continues to enjoy his time there.
"What I love about going there is it's rooted in history," said Woodson. "Every time I go over there it gets better and better.
"Just Croke Park itself, the history of being over 100 years old and all the renovations. Going into their museum and seeing how far it goes back with hurling and Gaelic football. Going to something that significant was special. They have upgraded it, but they kept the tradition. We went to the top of the stadium, to the crest, and you could see the whole valley area. It was amazing."
Killebrew was in Germany and shared the same type of excitement during his trip, which was highlighted by the soccer game between Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg. Killebrew was able to enjoy the overall atmosphere, a tour of the facility and even got to walk on the pitch, escorted by legendary player Patrick Owomoyela.
"I didn't know I was going to be able to go out there onto the actual pitch," said Killebrew. "I didn't know I was going to be able to do that. So, to walk through the tunnel, and I'm being escorted by Patrick, a former player, and to experience it through the eyes of what the players see, it was awesome.
"I can appreciate the similarities and the differences to what we go through with the Steelers. It was surreal to be able to do that. That was actually my first time going to a soccer match in person. And it was my first time in Dortmund. It was awesome."
Killebrew knows that Steelers Nation brings it every game, but what he saw from the fans in Germany was something he never experienced – most notably 'The Yellow Wall,' where 25,000 fans stand shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the game.
"It was a little intimidating turning the corner and seeing 25,000 fans standing up in just a small section, shoulder-to-shoulder standing up on that end of the stadium," said Killebrew. "It was a lot. I don't think you can accurately describe it with just words. I think it's something that you have to actually be there and see and feel the presence of. It was pretty intimidating.
"I've seen a lot of stadiums. I've played in front of a lot of crowds. To stand there in front of 25,000 people, they never sit down, they cheer in unison, pretty breathtaking. They were cheering the entire game. And beyond that, the club was incredible. You felt an overwhelming sense of pride and legacy at Dortmund."
