Patrick Queen

Patrick Queen Bio

Patrick Queen is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected 28th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 NFL draft. Queen has established himself as one of the premier young linebackers in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors in back-to-back seasons and anchoring defenses for both the Ravens and Steelers organizations. His journey from small-town Louisiana to NFL stardom exemplifies determination and exceptional athletic ability.

Early Life and Background

Patrick Queen was born on August 13, 1999, in Ventress, Louisiana, to Dwayne and Mary Sue Queen. He grew up as the youngest of four children and the only son in his family. Queen attended False River Academy for middle school football before moving on to Livonia High School, where he played both linebacker and running back. His exceptional athleticism was evident early, as he was a member of Livonia High School’s 2014 state championship football team.

As a senior in 2016, Queen rushed for 1,487 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense while recording 66 tackles, seven tackles for losses, and six passes broken up on defense. He participated in the 2014 National Combine and received first-team honors as a cornerback. Despite his four-star prospect rating, Queen received limited offers from Power Five conference schools initially, with early interest coming from smaller programs like Tulane, Louisiana, and Colorado State before landing his preferred destination at LSU.

Path to American Football

Queen committed to LSU on February 28, 2016, without taking any additional recruiting visits. He became the first player from Livonia to receive a scholarship from LSU, a significant achievement for his small-town roots. Each major recruiting service listed him differently: 247Sports ranked him as the 17th best versatile athlete in the country, Rivals listed him as the 13th best outside linebacker, while ESPN.com ranked him as the 30th best running back. This versatility would later serve him well in transitioning to the NFL level.

Queen made an immediate impact at LSU, appearing in 12 games as a true freshman and recording six tackles. His sophomore season showed continued development with 40 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and a sack. Heading into his junior year, he earned a spot on the Butkus Award watchlist, recognizing the nation’s top linebackers. His performance that season included 69 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two breakups, establishing him as a draft-eligible prospect.

Patrick Queen Career

LSU Tigers (2017–2019)

Queen saved his best performance for the biggest stage. In the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Clemson, he delivered a Defensive MVP performance, making eight tackles with 2.5 for a loss and a combined sack. That victory capped an undefeated season for LSU and earned Queen the CFP National Championship. Following the championship, he announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL draft, concluding his collegiate career as a national champion and top prospect.

Baltimore Ravens (2020–2023)

The Baltimore Ravens selected Queen with the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, making him the first LSU player ever drafted by the Ravens. He made his professional debut in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, recording a team-high eight tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in the 38-6 victory. In Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Queen stripped former LSU teammate Joe Burrow, recovered the fumble, and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Queen completed his rookie season starting all 16 games, recording 106 total tackles, one interception, and two forced fumbles, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team recognition. He changed his jersey number from 48 to 6 in 2021 following the NFL’s relaxed jersey number rules. That season, he started all 17 games with 98 tackles and two sacks. His 2022 campaign saw five sacks and 117 tackles with two interceptions and six passes defended. The Ravens declined his fifth-year option before 2023, but Queen responded with a career-high 133 tackles and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–Present)

On March 15, 2024, Queen signed a three-year contract worth $41 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a slow start to the season, he broke out during a 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 13 tackles. In Week 11, Queen faced his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, for the first time, recording 10 tackles and forcing a fumble on tight end Isaiah Likely that he recovered to set up a field goal. He continued his strong play throughout the season, leading the team in tackles during a narrow loss to the Cleveland Browns and recording his first sack of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin.

Defensive Style and Strengths

Queen combines elite speed and instincts that allow him to flow sideline to sideline and make plays in the backfield. His background playing multiple positions in college translated well to his adaptability at the professional level, where he reads plays quickly and diagnoses opposing offenses effectively. His physicality at the point of contact and ability to drop into coverage make him a three-down linebacker capable of handling diverse defensive schemes.

Notable Events and Milestones

Queen earned The Chief Award at the end of the 2024 season, established in honor of Steelers founder Art Rooney, recognizing players who best exemplify cooperation with the media. His career arc includes becoming the first Livonia player to earn an LSU scholarship, being the first LSU player drafted by the Ravens, and achieving Pro Bowl status in just his fourth NFL season while transitioning to a new team mid-career.

Patrick Queen Career Statistics

Through his first five NFL seasons, Queen has established himself as a productive and consistent defender, accumulating over 700 career tackles while contributing in both run defense and pass rush.

NFL Highlights

Queen has played 83 career games with 80 starts, amassing 703 total tackles, 15.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, 26 pass deflections, four interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. His 2023 season represented his best statistical year, earning Second-team All-Pro honors alongside his Pro Bowl selection. He followed that with another Pro Bowl appearance in 2024, his first season with the Steelers.

College Achievements

In three seasons at LSU, Queen appeared in 40 games with 27 starts, recording 115 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. His collegiate career peaked with the 2019 CFP National Championship and Defensive MVP honors against Clemson, where he made multiple clutch plays in the championship-clinching victory.

Patrick Queen Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Queen was born to Dwayne and Mary Sue Queen in Ventress, Louisiana. He was raised alongside three sisters, making him the only son among four siblings. His family provided a supportive environment that nurtured his athletic ambitions from a young age, with football becoming a central focus during his middle school years at False River Academy. The Queen family’s roots in rural Louisiana shaped Patrick’s work ethic and community values that have remained central throughout his professional career.

Personal Life

Queen maintains a presence on social media under the handle @pqueen.8 on Instagram. His connection to his Louisiana roots remains strong, evidenced by his historic status as the first Livonia player to earn an LSU scholarship. Following his Pro Bowl selections and lucrative contract with the Steelers, Queen has become a prominent figure from his hometown community, inspiring young athletes from similar small-town backgrounds.

2025 Season Performance

Entering his second season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Queen looks to build on the momentum established during the latter half of the 2024 campaign. His full offseason with the Steelers coaching staff and defensive system should provide better comfort and communication with his new teammates. The Steelers defense features Queen as a central figure in their linebacker rotation, positioning him to continue his pattern of high tackle totals and disruptive plays.

Queen earned The Chief Award for his media cooperation during his first Steelers season, reflecting his professional approach and leadership qualities in the locker room. His chemistry with the Steelers coaching staff and fellow defenders has grown substantially since the initial adjustment period. With the Ravens declining his fifth-year option before he posted career numbers, Queen has demonstrated the ability to thrive under pressure and prove skeptics wrong, a trait that should serve him well as he enters the prime of his career with the Steelers.