NFL Player Robbed in Dublin as League Pushes Global Expansion

The NFL’s debut in Dublin drew more than 70,000 fans to Croke Park on Sunday, but the weekend began with troubling news. Skylar Thompson, a 28-year-old quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was robbed and assaulted in Dublin city centre late Saturday night. NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero said Thompson suffered minor injuries and remains with the team.

Thompson, currently on injured reserve with a pre-existing issue, still traveled with the Steelers for the inaugural game against the Minnesota Vikings. Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten confirmed the team knows about the incident and added that NFL security is working with local authorities. The club declined to comment further.

The attack raised questions about safety during the league’s first regular-season game in Ireland. Fans had poured into Dublin from around the world, and NFL branding covered the city ahead of kickoff.

The #Steelers’ trip to Dublin wasn’t without some drama: Sources say backup QB Skylar Thompson got jumped and robbed Friday night in Dublin.

Thompson, who is on injured reserve, suffered minor injuries but is OK and with the team.

Statement from Steelers Spokesman Burt…

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2025

Goodell Sets Sights on Asia After Dublin Debut

While the Steelers dealt with the incident, Commissioner Roger Goodell used the weekend to outline the league’s global future. He said the NFL plans to stage up to 16 international games each season. Australia will host in 2026, and Asia is the next target.

Goodell explained that the league already scouted possible sites in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. He did not name specific Asian countries but said teams now volunteer for international games, a shift that shows their enthusiasm for global expansion.

The Dublin fixture between the Steelers and Vikings was billed as a one-off. Goodell rejected that framing, insisting there is “no doubt” the NFL will return to Ireland. The sell-out crowd and strong local support bolstered his case, even as he looked toward Asia.

Final Thoughts

The NFL’s weekend in Dublin highlighted both opportunity and risk. Thompson’s robbery showed the challenges of security and logistics when staging games abroad. Yet Goodell’s optimism made clear the league’s determination to grow internationally. Dublin delivered a sell-out spectacle, but the road to becoming a global sport will involve setbacks as well as successes.