As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, linebacker Patrick Queen has opened up about the emotional journey that led him to switch from one division rival to another. Queen left the Ravens in the 2024 offseason and felt “unwanted” by them, which he openly talked about before this big game.
The Ravens selected Queen in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he spent four seasons with them. He showed his talent and even made the Pro Bowl in 2023. But his time with the team had ups and downs, which led the Ravens to focus on Roquan Smith for their future plans, leaving Queen out.
“I wasn’t wanted back,” Queen admitted. “I didn’t get the offer back, and it is definitely kind of upsetting being there for four years and the bond that you grow with your teammates and stuff. The first few months, you definitely go through those feelings.”
At first, moving to Pittsburgh was challenging for Patrick Queen. But now, he is fitting in well with the team. Over the last four games, he has made 32 tackles, including three tackles for a loss, and his coverage skills have improved.
NEWS: #Steelers LB Patrick Queen says that the #Ravens did not offer him a contract this off-season.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 13, 2024
“It’s definitely kinda upsetting, being there for 4 years, I will have feelings; anybody in my position would this week.”
STEELERS-RAVENS SUNDAY🍿🍿🍿pic.twitter.com/hFT58HRG9O
Despite the challenging beginning, Queen is now concentrating on his role with the Steelers. He said, “I just had to look in the mirror and just say I had to get back to myself. I’ve been getting better these last few weeks. I just got to raise that standard.”
Patrick Queen on Tomlin’s “not a Raven” remark
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is strong. For Patrick Queen, it’s more than just a game. Even though he spent four seasons with the Ravens, his bond with the team makes the rivalry personal.
Patrick Queen said Tomlin told him he was never supposed to be a Raven. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/9pmNn4DZmW
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) March 12, 2024
Queen told a story from his rookie season when he had a run-in with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. He remembered how Mike Tomlin yelled at him, saying, “You’re not a Raven. You’re not a Raven. You’re not supposed to be there. You’re not one of them.’ So, every time I play them, there’s something personal.”
