Steelers Stripped of Defensive TD in Dublin After Bizarre Rule, Fans Left Frustrated
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked set to deliver an early statement against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, but what appeared to be a defensive touchdown was wiped away by a technicality in the rulebook.
On Minnesota’s opening drive, safety Chuck Clark made a highlight play, ripping the ball loose from running back Jordan Mason. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey scooped it up and raced 60 yards for what seemed like a momentum-swinging score that electrified Croke Park.
The celebration was cut short after an official review. Replays showed Mason, while trying to regain possession, had one leg out of bounds as he touched the ball. By rule, that made it a dead ball at the spot of the fumble – handing the Vikings the ball back and nullifying Pittsburgh’s touchdown.
It was a harsh reversal for the Steelers defense, which had come into the game riding high after forcing five turnovers in last week’s road win at New England. The unit’s early dominance looked set to continue, only for the quirky technicality to shift the momentum.
Fans voiced their frustration on social media as the Vikings’ official account even poked fun at the overturned play. Instead of going up early, Pittsburgh was forced back onto the field. Minnesota took advantage of the reprieve, driving into Steelers territory before a key third-down sack by linebacker Patrick Queen stopped the drive and forced the Vikings to settle for a field goal.
For Steelers Nation, it was a reminder that even great defensive plays can be undone by obscure rules – and that in a game this big, every detail matters.










