JASON BELL is urging the NFL to take the opportunity to host a game at Aviva Stadium next year.
The league hasn’t held a game in Ireland since 1997, with the Houston Texans safety calling for that drought to come to an end in 2025.
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In speaking to 888sport, Bell said: “It’s time for the NFL to expand to Ireland.”
“The market is there and the fans want it to happen, that’s the main thing.
“The relationship between the U.S. and Ireland is a strong one, especially when you look back at the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their owner.”
The former American footballer currently works as a pundit for Sky Sports NFL.
He said: “It needs to happen. The NFL is growing around the world and it has to go to marketplaces where the culture and the people will accept it.
“Ireland has its hand out, so if they don’t go and play here now, then what does that say about what they think about the country as a marketplace?
“Ireland deserves to have the NFL coming over.
“The fans there are so passionate and I think it’ll be a special place for the NFL.
“Germany has its own unique culture which you really feel when you go there, and I think Ireland will have the same effect.”
“I love their culture and the people, so I personally can’t wait to see it happen.”
These comments come after the NFL has hosted four games in Europe this season.
In October, the league hosted three games in London, with two of them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the final one at Wembley.
And just last week, the NFL hosted a game in Munich at the Allianz Arena. Europe is proving to have an expanding fan base in Europe.
Next year, the league also has plans to host a game in Madrid at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Bell also said: “Not only will it have local support but, given the links between the U.S. and Ireland, think about how many people will travel over for it.
“Whatever team it is that travels over there, it’ll be an exciting experience for them.”
This wouldn’t be the first time that American football would be played at Aviva Stadium.
The Aer Lingus Classic has been hosted at Aviva Stadium for the past three years, hosting American college football teams.
However, only one NFL game has ever taken place in Ireland.
In 1997, Croke Park was home to a pre-season clash between the Chicago Bears and the Steelers.
The NFL Commissioner Rodger Gooddell spoke at Sunday’s game in Munich, saying: “We’re also looking at the potential of another game in the U.K. area in Ireland, possibly. That’s a possibility.”