Social media exploded with the news of the 2025 NFL International Series schedule. Fans had been waiting for weeks to find out exactly which teams would be playing and when.
However, no one expected this plot twist: the Minnesota Vikings were scheduled for consecutive international games in Weeks 4 and 5. That led to plenty of scathing comments from both the media and fans on X.
The League Did the Minnesota Vikings ‘Dirty’ Says Former NFL QB
That’s not the Vikings’ only first. They’ll also meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first game ever played in Dublin, Ireland, at Croke Park on Sept. 28. Minnesota will then make the short hop to London, England, to play the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Oct. 5.
Vikings fans are frustrated for several reasons. First, doubling the international games means fewer chances for fans in the United States to watch games at the Vikings’ home stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium.
Both games will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. CT in Minneapolis). Many fans say that timing throws off the usual Sunday tradition of watching football with friends, food, and drinks.
Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel also took to X to share his thoughts about the back-to-back overseas trips.
The Vikings playing back to back international games in different cities for the first time ever is dirty work!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel)
“The Vikings playing back to back international games in different cities for the first time ever is dirty work!” Daniel wrote about Minnesota’s wild 2025 schedule.
Traveling internationally is already tough on NFL players, who work year-round to keep their bodies in peak shape. When they go overseas, they face serious time-zone changes that can mess with sleep and performance. Yet, before heading overseas, the Vikings will only have a few days to adjust.
By keeping Minnesota in Europe for two straight weeks, the league is asking them to adjust to two totally different non-NFL stadiums and a major time shift.
Vikings Have a Proud International History
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Vikings were picked to break new ground by playing two consecutive international games. They were, after all, the first NFL team to play a European exhibition game, beating the St. Louis Cardinals at Wembley Stadium in London in 1983.
In the 40+ years since then, the Vikings have returned to London multiple times. They’ve also played in Göteborg, Sweden; Tokyo, Japan; and Berlin, Germany — and have never lost a game overseas.
So, while being abroad for two straight games might be stressful, Minnesota may be the team best built to handle the challenge and thrive with this exciting new schedule.