Can a coach speak a player’s future into existence? Mike Tomlin apparently did! Years before Patrick Queen became a Steeler, Tomlin told him he would. The full story of this uncanny prediction and Queen’s dramatic move from the Ravens to Pittsburgh is finally out. What are the odds?
The storied rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens often masks an underlying respect, a sentiment vividly brought to light by a prophetic encounter between Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and then-Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. Tomlin, renowned for his astute leadership and longevity in the NFL, reportedly made a bold declaration to Queen that would ultimately foreshadow a significant career move, an anecdote now circulating widely among NFL circles.
Patrick Queen’s decision to join the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2024 season sent shockwaves through the AFC North. Moving from the rival Baltimore Ravens, a team that opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, Queen’s defection ignited discussions about loyalty, ambition, and the compelling allure of playing for another perennial contender within the division.
The genesis of this intriguing narrative traces back to an on-field interaction. Following a game between the Steelers and Ravens, Mike Tomlin approached Queen and, with an air of certainty, stated, “You’re going to be a Steeler.” At the time, Queen, unaware of the speaker’s identity, was left puzzled by the unexpected pronouncement, a moment he later recalled with a mixture of amusement and awe.
This revelation came to light during Queen’s recent appearance on a podcast alongside Steelers teammates. He recounted the peculiar recruitment, emphasizing how Tomlin’s words, initially a mystery, resonated profoundly once he understood their source. This subtle, almost subconscious, form of recruitment highlights Tomlin’s unique approach to player evaluation and his knack for recognizing talent.
Queen’s journey to Pittsburgh was not merely a financial decision; reports suggest he accepted a deal offering less money than other suitors, driven by the opportunity to play for the Steelers. This choice, while understandable from a player’s perspective, naturally stirred strong emotions among the devoted Baltimore Ravens fanbase, who viewed his move to a fierce rival with considerable dismay.
However, Queen’s inaugural season in Pittsburgh for 2024 proved to be somewhat underwhelming, failing to fully meet the high expectations that accompanied his significant free agency acquisition. The linebacker himself has openly admitted that the Steelers’ defense, and by extension his own performance, must significantly elevate its game in the upcoming 2025 season.
The pressure on Patrick Queen is amplified by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ aggressive offseason moves, including the acquisition of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, signaling a clear intent to contend fiercely in 2025. For Queen, this season is pivotal to justifying his substantial paycheck and solidifying his role as a core defensive player, proving his worth beyond the context of his successful partnership with Roquan Smith in Baltimore.
As the AFC North rivalry continues to simmer, the story of Mike Tomlin’s foresight and Patrick Queen’s subsequent path to the Pittsburgh Steelers adds another fascinating layer to the long-standing animosity and respect between these two storied NFL franchises. Queen’s future performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized, not just by fans, but by Tomlin himself, whose early prediction has now become a benchmark for the linebacker’s impact.
