PITTSBURGH – Every great defense needs a central figure who ties together the chaos around them and ensures the unit moves as one. For decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers have built their defensive reputation on players like Jack Lambert, James Farrior, and Ryan Shazier, leaders in the middle who embodied toughness and commanded respect. In 2025, that role belongs to Patrick Queen.
At just 26 years old, Queen has become the captain of the Steelers defense. Ranked as the 12th best middle linebacker in the NFL and graded in the top 7 percent of his position by Pro Football Focus (PFF), Queen is not just living up to expectations but redefining what the position means in Pittsburgh.
From Rival to Leader
Queen’s story in black and gold comes with an added twist of drama. Before donning the Steelers’ colors, he spent his early years with the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh’s fiercest rival. Playing against him was never fun, but the Steelers saw the talent, the leadership, and the versatility he brought to the field. When the opportunity arose to bring him to Pittsburgh, it was too good to pass up.
That transition could have been awkward, but Queen’s immediate buy-in erased any hesitation. He embraced the city, the culture, and the standard. Now, as captain of the defense, he is proof that once you put on the black and gold, the rivalry fades and the mission takes over.
The Prototype of the Modern Mike
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 237 pounds, Queen is not the biggest linebacker the league has ever seen. What he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in speed, instincts, and versatility. He is the definition of a modern “Mike” linebacker, capable of doing it all.
Against the run, Queen plays with discipline and violence. He plugs gaps, sheds blockers, and punishes ball carriers with physical tackles that send a message. In coverage, he has the range to stick with tight ends down the seam and the agility to hang with running backs in the flat. And when called upon, he can blitz through the A-gap or come off the edge, adding another wrinkle to Pittsburgh’s already dangerous pass rush.
PFF’s ranking of Queen among the top 7 percent of linebackers is not just about raw stats, but about how well he checks every box. He is the Swiss Army knife in the middle of the field, always ready to adapt to whatever the situation demands.
Leadership Beyond the Whistle
What has made Queen’s presence even more impactful in Pittsburgh is his leadership. The trust his teammates and coaches have in him in unequivocal. Queen is vocal on the field, making checks, calling out alignments, and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Linebacker rooms are often led by veterans who have seen it all. While Queen is still just 26, his five years of NFL experience give him credibility. He combines youthful energy with veteran wisdom, bridging the gap between the rookies still learning their craft and the established stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon noted earlier this season how much Queen’s mentorship has helped him adjust to the NFL. “He is always in my ear,” Harmon said. “If I mess up a read, he tells me. If I get it right, he tells me that too. Having him behind me makes my job easier.”
That kind of presence is invaluable for a defense trying to reinvent the Steel Curtain identity.
The Perfect Fit for LaFleur’s Defense
Head coach DK LaFleur has emphasized since arriving that Pittsburgh’s defense needs to balance discipline with splash plays. Queen embodies that philosophy. He is rarely out of position, yet when the moment comes to make a game-changing play, he has the instincts and athleticism to deliver.
Against the run, he keeps lanes clean for others to swarm. In coverage, he disrupts timing and makes quarterbacks second-guess their reads. And when asked to blitz, he adds just enough chaos to tilt the pocket toward Watt or Alex Highsmith.
For LaFleur, having a Mike linebacker like Queen allows the entire defense to function at a higher level. “Patrick is the glue,” LaFleur said. “He does a little bit of everything, and he does it at a really high level. When you have that in the middle, it changes the way you can call a game.”
Carrying the Torch
The Steelers have a long history of linebackers who symbolize the grit and identity of the defense. Queen is now carrying that torch. Like Lambert and Farrior before him, he has the fire to demand accountability and the talent to back it up.
His ability to wear multiple hats also means the Steelers can remain flexible in their schemes. In today’s NFL, where offenses are designed to isolate mismatches, having a linebacker who does not create one is priceless. Queen is as comfortable chasing down Anthony Richardson on a scramble as he is jamming Travis Kelce on a seam route.
Looking Ahead
At 26, Queen is just entering his prime. He has already logged five years of experience, and yet his best football still seems to be in front of him. The Steelers see him not just as a piece of the present but as the foundation of their defensive future.
As Pittsburgh continues to rebuild its Steel Curtain identity, Queen is a central figure in that effort. He brings leadership, versatility, and toughness, exactly what the city expects from its linebackers.
The irony that he once wore purple and black will never fully fade, but now, Queen is as much a Steeler as anyone. He is the captain, the communicator, and the crown jewel in the middle of a defense that is slowly finding its swagger again.
Final thought: When the Steelers defense lines up, there are plenty of stars to watch. Watt gets the headlines, Ramsey brings the swagger, and Heyward provides the wisdom. But make no mistake, Patrick Queen is the one making sure it all runs smoothly. And at just 26, he may be writing the first chapters of a legacy that will echo through Pittsburgh for years to come.
– Forged In Steel Times
