Steelers LB Patrick Queen Comes Up Big in Revenge Game vs. Ravens: ‘I’m Glad He’s on Our Team’

PITTSBURGH — There’s an old saying. One Pittsburgh Steelers head coach feels applies to linebacker Patrick Queen.

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” Tomlin said after his team’s 18-16 home win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon. “I’m glad he is on our team.”

Before signing a three-year, $41 million free agent contract with Pittsburgh, Queen had been on the other side for the previous four seasons. He was the Ravens’ first-round draft pick in 2020. A year ago, he had a Pro Bowl showing, his most productive as a professional. That didn’t make any difference to Baltimore (7-4), who let him leave without a fight.

Still, seeing his former team across the field didn’t evoke the irritation Queen initially felt it would. He instead felt a sense of calm, of belonging in black and gold.

“I think at the beginning, I probably thought back then, I’d be a little bit more pissed off,” Queen said. “I woke up this morning and I didn’t feel any anger. I just felt content with life and the game and just being where I’m supposed to be at. … In the past, I wasn’t thinking, ‘God put me in this place for a reason.’ I was just heated at the situation that occurred.”

After walking to midfield as a team captain — a decision Tomlin made — Queen led the Steelers with 10 combined tackles against the Ravens, his second-most in a single contest this go-round. He caused and recovered an Isaiah Likely fumble shortly before halftime that led to the Chris Boswell field goal that put Pittsburgh ahead for good.

“Today, everybody (was) telling me, ‘You’re gonna get one. All you gotta do is just get one,'” Queen said. “And it’s my dad’s birthday, too, so he was like, ‘You’ve gotta get me one.’ It’s just crazy how things work out, though.”

After scooping up that loose ball, Queen got as far from Baltimore’s sideline as he could. He ran to the opposite corner of the end zone with his arms outstretched, embracing his frenzied adopted fanbase.

“I didn’t say anything to their side,” Queen said. “I took off the whole, complete opposite way. I think my mom was in the stands on that side and she was like, ‘Bring me the ball if you get a turnover.’ I blacked out. I just grabbed the ball and took off.”

Even after receiving a “petty game ball,” Patrick Queen was at ease, appreciating what’s in front of him now.

“It’s how it’s supposed to be,” Queen said. “I don’t have (any) anger, animosity towards them. It’s just football.”