'Not a Raven!' Did Steelers' Mike Tomlin Predict Patrick Queen Signing in 2020?
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is a heated one. They're division rivals, yes, but there always seems to be more than that between the two teams. And for one Raven, it means so much more.
New Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen says he had a run-in with Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin during his rookie season with the Ravens.
“Any time you join this organization and they talk about this game, it’s the game that defines you and makes you a Raven,” Queen said. “When I was on their sideline my rookie year, Mike Tomlin was looking at me, yelling at me, ‘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.
“I don’t care if he was joking. I don’t care if he was serious. At the end of the day, I’m on your sideline and you’re telling me I’m not a Raven. That’s kind of disrespectful,” Queen said.
Now, Tomlin's words seem prophetic.
Queen is no longer a Raven, and he's not one of them. Queen will sign with the black and gold for a reported three years and $41 million.
Last season, Queen tallied 133 total tackles with one interception and 3.5 sacks. Since arriving in Baltimore through the 2020 NFL Draft (No. 6 overall) he has registered 454 total tackles with four picks and 13.5 sacks.
The Steelers get the best version of Queen off a career year, and now the Ravens will have to face him twice a year with their revamped offense. After agreeing to terms with former Titans running back Derrick Henry, the Baltimore offense boasts a list of playmakers.
