When the Pittsburgh Steelers played the Chicago Bears at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland for a preseason tilt in 1997, it wasn’t just a typical preseason game. Not only was it the first NFL game played in Ireland, but it was part of the American Bowl, and the two teams were playing for the Waterford Crystal Trophy. With the Rooney family’s ties to Ireland, the trophy had a little extra meaning, and Patricia Rooney, the wife of the late Dan Rooney, wanted the trophy. Jerome Bettis said that’s why he suited up for the game, despite multiple Steelers’ starters not playing.
‘I Want The Trophy:’ Jerome Bettis Explains Why He Played In Steelers’ Preseason Ireland Game
