The Pittsburgh Steelers were in Ireland for an international game against the Minnesota Vikings as part of the NFL’s push to make the game more international. However, the Steelers experienced an international incident as their backup quarterback, Skylar Thompson, who is already on the injured reserve list, was reportedly robbed and beaten up during their stay there.
The #Steelers’ trip to Dublin wasn’t without some drama: Sources say backup QB Skylar Thompson got jumped and robbed Friday night in Dublin.
Thompson, who is on injured reserve, suffered minor injuries but is OK and with the team.
Statement from Steelers Spokesman Burt…
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2025
Thompson only suffered minor injuries and is already with his team, though the incident certainly raised a lot of alarm among fans, many of whom questioned why the NFL was doing these international matches in the first place. Meanwhile, others commented on Thompson’s ill luck, getting injured while already injured.
“If true, get the NFL the f*ck out of these countries,” wrote one fan.
“How are you on IR but get injured some more 😭😭,” asked another person.
“If he’s on the IR why did he travel with the team to the game? Is that normal?” one person asked.
“He’s on IR and out and about in Dublin on a Friday night lmao,” joked another X user.
“The Dublin Stealers > Pittsburgh Steelers,” joked another person.
“Could be worse. He could still play for the Dolphins.” one fan noted.
Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten released a statement saying that the team is already aware of the incident and are already working with the NFL to get more security for the team and gather more information on the incident. He added that they will no longer comment on the matter.
Pittsburgh Steelers Have Strong Connections With Ireland
While a player from the team has been caught in an international incident in Ireland, it should be noted that the Steelers have strong ties with the country. The city of Pittsburgh has been a city of immigrants, particularly Irish immigrants who went to the city to start a new life. One of them are the owners of the Steelers, the Rooney family, who trace their roots to the island nation.
The family came from the town of Newry in Northern Ireland to escape the Great Famine of the 1840s, eventually finding their way to Pittsburgh. Former owner, the late Dan Rooney, is the co-founder of a charity that supports Irish Americans. He also served as the ambassador to Ireland under President Barack Obama.
Read more:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
