The NFL finally released its full international schedule for the upcoming season, and Minnesota Vikings fans are not happy. For the first time ever, a team will play two consecutive games outside of the United States.
According to posts on X by Tom Pelissero, the Vikings will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, at Croke Park for their Week 4 matchup at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sept. 28. Then, they will make the short trip to London, England, for their Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 5.
Vikings fans did not take the news well and took to X to express their frustration.
Minnesota Vikings Fans Aren’t Happy With the NFL
The Vikings’ full schedule has not yet been released, but they are expected to have a bye in Week 6 to recover from their international travels and the time changes.
These international games reduce opportunities for fans to attend games at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis or even to visit another U.S. city for a game. In addition, early-morning games (in this case, 8:30 a.m. CT) reduce the usual imbibing with fellow fans while watching.
This sucks
Let me hammer some beers at least when I watch
— Skolls (@SK0LPolls)
One fan expressed their aggravation on X, saying, “This sucks. Let me hammer some beers, at least while I watch.”
Many Vikings fans agree that having two consecutive games out of the country is on brand for the franchise.
Comments like “Of course it’s us,” stormed in, while others noted, “Would there be any other team?”
SCREWED https://t.co/kj6n13y6OS
— pleasejustcover (@pleasejustcover)
One fan posted “SCREWED,” which echoes the feelings of many fans who worry about the added stressors that international games cause.
“How come they got the short straw?” said another fan, who also feels these games put the Vikings at a disadvantage.
Another commented, “NFL betting heavy that JJ McCarthy is actually going to be good in his first season after a year out with injured,” followed by the hands-over-face emoji.
NFL betting heavy that JJ McCarthy is actually going to be good in his first season after a year out with injured 🤦♂️ #NFL https://t.co/2rcFMI71ET
— NorseRaider (@NorseRaider22)
The Vikings selected quarterback J.J. McCarthy No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, where he helped the Wolverines win a national championship. He was initially named a backup to Sam Darnold, but McCarthy tore his meniscus last preseason and was placed on injured reserve, missing his entire rookie season.
There was talk that the Vikings might try to bring in a veteran QB, like Aaron Rodgers, in case McCarthy isn’t 100% at the start of the season. However, that hasn’t happened, and the franchise has said it has full confidence in its second-year signal-caller.
Meanwhile, other fans shifted their frustration to the NFLPA, the players’ union, for allowing this to happen.
“Well done, NFLPA. Your players’ healthcare sucks, and now they get to play back to back weeks overseas,” one fan said.
Well done NFLPA. Your players healthcare sucks and now they get to play back to back weeks overseas. https://t.co/f2PydT115k
— NKCChief (@NKCChief)
Nevertheless, it’s not all negative, as someone posted, “What an absolutely awesome travel opportunity for Vikings fans. This would be an insanely fun run.”