The Pittsburgh Steelers arrived in Dublin with anticipation, ready to make history in the NFL’s first-ever game played on Irish soil. Yet, before kickoff, the team was rocked by a disturbing off-field incident that shifted the spotlight away from football and onto safety concerns abroad.
Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, who has been on injured reserve, was assaulted and robbed on Friday night in the Irish capital, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The news sent shockwaves through both the Steelers’ locker room and the wider NFL community.
Fortunately, Thompson sustained only minor injuries. He remained with the team in Dublin after receiving immediate assistance. Steelers spokesperson Burt Lauten confirmed the incident and noted the franchise is working closely with NFL security, though details remain limited.
The seriousness of the situation prompted a swift response from the NFL Players Association. In a statement shared by Pelissero, the union stressed its concern for Thompson’s well-being and reiterated its broader commitment to player safety, especially during international competitions.
“We are aware of the incident involving Skylar Thompson in Ireland and are relieved to know he is okay. The NFLPA is actively gathering more information and working to understand the full circumstances surrounding what took place. As always, our priority is the health and safety of our player members — especially as we continue to work on player protections and well-being while playing international games — and we will continue to support Skylar in any way he needs.”
The attack comes at an unfortunate time, overshadowing what was meant to be a celebration of both football and heritage. The Steelers’ ownership, the Rooney family, has deep Irish roots, making the Dublin matchup against the Minnesota Vikings not only historic but also deeply personal for the franchise.
For fans, the event had been billed as a festival — the NFL’s growing effort to expand its global footprint, bringing the sport to new audiences. Yet Thompson’s ordeal was a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities players face beyond the gridiron, especially while overseas.
Thompson, originally drafted in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins in 2022, signed with Pittsburgh this offseason. Known for his resilience, he stepped in for the Dolphins during stretches when Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined, even starting in a playoff matchup against Buffalo.
Though he is sidelined with injury, Pittsburgh viewed him as valuable depth behind veteran Aaron Rodgers, whose presence has already transformed expectations for the team.
The Steelers, however, are not only battling off-field distractions. Hours before kickoff, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that running back Jaylen Warren would be unavailable due to a knee injury. His absence forced Pittsburgh to reshuffle its offensive backfield, handing responsibilities to rookie Kaleb Johnson and veteran Kenneth Gainwell, with Trey Sermon activated from the practice squad.
It all sets the stage for a weekend of contrasts: a landmark game in Ireland framed by both celebration and concern. The hope had been for headlines to focus solely on the NFL’s expansion and the spectacle of American football abroad. Instead, Thompson’s mugging has cast a darker shadow over the festivities.
As the league pushes further into international markets, incidents like this one could spark difficult questions about logistics, security, and the preparedness of host cities. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the NFL addresses these risks moving forward.
For now, the focus remains on Thompson’s recovery and the Steelers’ ability to regroup amid the chaos. His teammates and coaches have rallied around him, determined to ensure that what happened off the field does not derail their performance on it.
And while Sunday’s game against the Vikings will be remembered as a milestone in NFL history, the events surrounding Skylar Thompson will ensure it is remembered for far more than just football.
