Ireland Plays Key Role in 2024 NFL Draft: Steelers and Jaguars Announce Picks from Ireland

The NFL Draft made history this year as Ireland played a significant role in the selection process for two teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars both announced their fourth-round picks from Ireland, marking a special moment for the country.

Paudie Clifford, the Kerry Senior Football Captain and a Steelers fan, had the honor of announcing Mason McCormick from South Dakota State University as the Steelers’ fourth-round pick. Meanwhile, Stephen Howlin, a super fan of the Jaguars, announced that Javon Foster from Missouri Tigers would be joining the team.

The TV audience for the Draft peaked at over 54 million viewers, showcasing the global appeal of the event. This marked the first time that Ireland had been a venue for a pick in the draft, which was held live from Detroit.

Both the Steelers and the Jaguars have been actively engaging with fans in Ireland as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. The Steelers recently visited Ireland for a week of activities, including a kicking clinic at the Sport Ireland Campus and a business breakfast at Croke Park. The Jaguars will also be visiting Dublin for a player tour at the end of June.

The NFL’s Global Markets Program aims to expand the league’s presence internationally through various activities and events. With both teams actively participating in activities in Ireland, fans of the sport in the country have plenty to look forward to.

The involvement of the Steelers and the Jaguars in Ireland adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming Aer Lingus College football Classic games in Dublin. As the NFL continues to expand its reach globally, Ireland is set to play a significant role in the league’s international growth.