The Minnesota Vikings will make history this fall, travelling to Europe for back-to-back showdowns in Dublin and London.
Kevin O’Connell has no qualms whatsoever about playing overseas.
In Week 4, the Vikings will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland — a major headline on its own. Just one week later, head coach Kevin O’Connell’s squad heads to London, England, to take on the Cleveland Browns, a team they previously played in that city eight years ago.
This historic stretch will make the Vikings the first NFL team to play international games in back-to-back weeks in two different countries.
Kevin O’Connell on Back-to-Back Games in Europe
Why did this unusual schedule come about? It appears the Vikings actually asked for it.
Along with the team’s ownership supporting the two-game international trip, head coach Kevin O’Connell openly discussed the benefits during his remarks on Tuesday.
O’Connell told Irish media that the two-game road trip offers a fantastic chance to take the team abroad, escaping everyday distractions that might divert players’ focus.
From a football perspective, facing two AFC North opponents, known for their intense home crowds, in neutral stadiums is a potential advantage for the Vikings. The tough division makes this a bonus, alongside the opportunity to strengthen team bonds and camaraderie.
After defeating the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets in London last year, Minnesota is returning overseas. O’Connell noted the trip was a joint decision with the NFL, viewing it as a positive for both football and business aspects of the organization.
He highlighted the team’s star power, particularly Justin Jefferson, whom he considers the world’s best wide receiver. O’Connell believes international fans will soon recognize Jefferson’s talent, making the trip a great introduction to the Vikings.
Janik Eckardt on Dublin, London
Janik Eckardt, a European contributor to our affiliate site, commented on the confirmed news that Kevin O’Connell’s Minnesota Vikings will play two international games in consecutive weeks in two different European countries.
The trip has pros and cons. Rust Belt fans hoping to see the Vikings in Cleveland or Pittsburgh, where they play only once every eight years, may be disappointed. However, European fans and Americans who missed previous London games get another opportunity. From a football standpoint, facing the Steelers and Browns on neutral grounds rather than their tough home stadiums is advantageous. This schedule gives the Vikings eight home games, seven road games, and two neutral-site games.
Eckardt noted that the second overseas game could favor the Vikings, as they’ll already be adjusted to the time zone, avoiding another transatlantic trip and only traveling from Dublin to London. Minnesota remains undefeated in international games, holding a 4-0 record.
The full NFL schedule will be announced Wednesday night.
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