Steelers’ Patrick Queen Delivers Statement Performance in Return to Baltimore
BALTIMORE - Patrick Queen heard the noise. He saw the criticism. And on Sunday, he answered it the only way that matters in the NFL - with his play.
Just days after former Steelers lineman Trai Essex publicly questioned his impact, Queen responded with a gritty, hard-nosed performance in Pittsburgh’s 27-22 win over the Ravens - a game that meant more than just another tally in the win column. It was Queen’s first time back in Baltimore since signing with the Steelers in March, and while he downplayed the personal significance, his impact on the field spoke volumes.
Queen played through a glute injury that had him visibly limited, telling reporters postgame that he was “basically playing on one leg.” But even at less than 100%, the veteran linebacker showed why the Steelers made him a priority in free agency.
“I thrived,” Queen said. “I had a little hiccup here and there, but I made it through.”
That’s an understatement. Queen not only toughed it out - he helped anchor a defense that needed every ounce of leadership and physicality he could give.
At one point, he had to leave the game for treatment, but his focus never wavered. He was locked in, waiting for the right moment to return without disrupting communication on the field.
“I was just trying to be me and get back in the game,” Queen said. “I was trying to get back in two or three plays earlier, but you can’t have both of the headsets out there.
Payton [Wilson] was in, and I trust him to do his job at a high level. I just didn’t want us to waste a timeout or cause confusion.”
That kind of situational awareness and unselfishness is exactly what head coach Mike Tomlin values - especially in a game where the linebacker room was stretched thin.
“When you start having linebackers go down, and Patrick was unavailable for a stretch, it was uncomfortable,” Tomlin said. “But that’s football.
It’s the ultimate team game. I’m just appreciative of the collective efforts - and Patrick’s fight.”
Queen’s toughness and leadership were on full display, and it wasn’t just about silencing outside noise. He’s been doubted before - especially after leaving Baltimore.
Some questioned whether he’d be the same player without Roquan Smith beside him. But Queen has carved out his own identity in Pittsburgh, and this game was another step in proving that.
Still, he wasn’t interested in making it personal.
“If you would’ve asked me last year, it would have meant a lot,” Queen said of getting a win in Baltimore. “But at this point, I’m two years in here.
What was at stake was more important, and that’s all I care about - trying to win the division. At the end of the day, does it feel good?
Yeah, obviously. But the whole mess - I’m over it.”
That’s a veteran mindset from a player who’s matured into a leader on one of the NFL’s most tradition-rich defenses. Queen didn’t just show up in a revenge game - he showed up when his team needed him most.
And in doing so, he reminded everyone - including his critics - that he’s far more than just a former Raven. He’s a Steeler now, through and through.