DUBLIN, Ireland — Ireland's indigenous sports are called Gaelic games, and Gaelic football in particular features kicking skills that can transfer to American football via placekicking and punting.

A growing number of Gaelic football players are giving American football a shot, either through college programs or the NFL’s international player pathway program.

Before the Minnesota Vikings face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park in the first regular-season NFL game to be held in Ireland, here are some facts about Gaelic games and the players trying to reach the NFL :

Gaelic football, hurling and camogie (women’s hurling) are the most popular. All three 15-a-side sports are played on a rectangular field with goals and goal posts rising above — like uprights in American football. I

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