Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers are locked in for what promises to be an electric 2025 season. With a whirlwind offseason of aggressive moves and star-studded acquisitions, the franchise has launched itself into the Super Bowl conversation.
With high expectations come second chances. For linebacker Patrick Queen, it’s the perfect opportunity for redemption.
Let’s be honest: Queen’s first season in Pittsburgh didn’t live up to the hype.
After signing with the Steelers in 2024 following a standout stint with the Ravens, expectations were sky-high. His 129 tackles showed consistency, but the impact plays were few and far between. One sack. Zero interceptions. It wasn’t bad — but it wasn’t enough.
Fans expected fireworks. What they got instead was a slow burn. But as every seasoned football fan knows, not every transition is seamless. A new team, a new system, and the pressure of replacing long-standing linebacking legends all played a role in Queen’s underwhelming debut.
Now, with a full year under his belt in Teryl Austin’s defensive scheme, Queen has the chance to rewrite his narrative — starting Sunday in front of a packed stadium against the New York Jets.
And frankly, the timing couldn’t be better.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Patrick Queen to live up to the hype during the 2025 season
The Jets enter Week 1 with a new head coach in Aaron Glenn and a quarterback in Justin Fields looking for revenge after being benched by the Steelers last season. The duo has something to prove — and that kind of desperation often leads to mistakes. That’s where Queen comes in.
This is his chance not only to make a statement but also to lead.
He doesn’t need to be T.J. Watt or steal the spotlight from stars like Jalen Ramsey and Alex Highsmith.
Queen just needs to be the disruptive, instinctive linebacker he was signed to be — and that he’s fully capable of being. With the defensive front applying pressure and a reinforced secondary locking down receivers, Queen should find more freedom to roam, read, and react. That’s where he thrives.
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Look for him to play fast and physical, reading Fields like a book and pouncing on any hesitation. This isn’t just about tackles — it’s about timing. It’s about showing that Year 2 in black and gold is going to be different.
Redemption stories are among the most compelling aspects of football. They show resilience, maturity, and growth — all qualities Queen seems ready to put on display. He doesn’t need to say much. His play will do the talking.
If the Steelers are going to be the contender many expect, they’ll need Patrick Queen firing on all cylinders. And if Week 1 goes the way I believe it can, we’ll be talking about Queen not as a disappointment — but as a force reborn.
He’s got the tools, the support, and now, the opportunity. This Sunday is just the beginning of what could be a massive comeback season for Patrick Queen — and I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.