BERLIN (AP) — Borussia Dortmund and the Pittsburgh Steelers say their partnership goes way beyond jersey swaps.

“We’re both rooted in coal and steel industries, blue-collar history, emphasizing hard work, character is what matters, with a very strong sense of community," said Marc Lingenhoff, Dortmund’s managing director of the Americas region.

Their agreement is one of several formal partnerships between Bundesliga clubs and NFL teams as both sides look to make inroads in each other’s territories to expand their fan bases and commercial opportunities.

Germany is a vital piece of the NFL’s aggressive international push. The country boasts the world’s third-largest economy and is home to passionate fans with a long history of supporting American football .

On Sunday, Berlin wil

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