Over the last number of years, the NFL has taken hold on these shores, from college games in the Aviva to watch parties in Croke Park and showcase games on Christmas Day, American Football is rapidly growing in popularity.
Last year, some of Ireland's most prolific GAA goalkeepers famously took on the challenge of making their way through the NFL's International Pathway Programme, bidding for spots on NFL rosters.
While Rory Beggan eventually returned to Monaghan, Charlie Smyth is still playing his way on the Saints' practice squad. With the outflux of sportspeople showing little sign of slowing down, Smyth could still be joined by more Irish across the pond, with Ulster rugby player Aaron Sexton the latest to try make and the move.
Back on these shores, the Aer Lingus College Classic saw Georgia Tech and Florida State play out a nail-biting finish in front of a sold-out Aviva Stadium, with the NFL now looking to bring a regular season fixture to Ireland in the near future.
ESPN presenter uses insanely Irish saying
While on the field Georgia Tech and Florida put on quite the show, the shenanigans off the field have had quite the impact too, with one Irish ism slipping out of Pat McAfee's mouth during ESPN's New Year's Day coverage.
McAfee who spent seven years as a kicker with the Indianapolis Colts is now one of the biggest names in American sports broadcasting, with The Pat McAfee Show being one of the most popular sports shows in the country.
The broadcaster who took his show live to Dublin for the college classic, was back on college duty on Wednesday when he employed one of the country's great terms in his commentary.
Dillon Gabriel has played a shite ton of college games
Dillon Gabriel has played a SHITE TON of football games..
63 games is ABSURD #PMSCFPESPN2 pic.twitter.com/87th86uLfM— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 1, 2025
Clearly it wasn't just the slang that had an impression on McAfee during his time in Ireland, with the pundit famously bringing his live show to Dublin, chugging pints with WWE star Seamus and getting hammered in the day that was in it.
McAfee has already said that should the NFL make their much-awaited Dublin debut either this season or next season, his show will be making a return to the city to cover the action.
With any luck, it won't be just Irish sayings on NFL coverage in the next few seasons but Irish names getting called out too, just like Jude McAtamney who became the first Irishman to score NFL points in 39 years.
