Linebacker Patrick Queen had almost 100 tackles in his 4 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. But when the Ravens denied his fifth-year option, LB Queen had no option but to move to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Even while signing for the Steelers, Queen made it clear that he was not wanted back in Baltimore. Now, over a year after he committed to Pittsburgh on a $1 million, 3-year contract, Queen has opened up about his move to the Steelers.

“Scoutwise, I was like, I didn’t know who it was at the time. They’re like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna come out at you. So, you come to us,” Queen first revealed on the November 6 episode of his teammate and long snapper, Christian Kuntz‘s podcast.

And after the Ravens still did not go for the young LB, Queen preferred to go with the Steelers, who were relentless in signing him.

“Pittsburgh was steady callin. I really wasn’t paying it no mind at first. Then they kept callin. I’m like you know what, I know them. I get to play Baltimore twice, why not? I think I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Queen added.

That’s totally understandable. Patrick Queen has started all 93 games in his career. That alone shows durability and trust from coaches.

Queen makes plays at every level of the defense. He has 651 tackles, with 389 solo. The linebacker brings versatility to his team. And now, after spending a year in Pittsburgh with head coach Mike Tomlin, Queen acknowledged what he missed while he was not with the Steelers.

Patrick Queen has chosen Mike Tomlin earlier as well

Soon after signing for the Steelers last year, Queen went on to detail why coach Tomlin is so special to him compared to his previous coach, John Harbaugh.

“(I’d rather play for) Coach T for sure…Coach T is more like, ‘How’s your family’ and the small things that are big to us… He never puts lotion on before practice. He’s always ashy. He always wears the same hoodie, the same shirt, same sunglasses everyday,” he said while choosing Mike Tomlin over John Harbaugh on Cam Heyward’s podcast in August this year.

The Steelers’ LB made it clear that he respects both coaches equally, though. Now, with the divisional clash not too far, Queen will have to put his respect aside and go all out against his former team when both teams meet in Week 14 and Week 18.

A win will take Pittsburgh closer to the playoff race, while a loss may not only cost them a playoff race but also the AFC North title chase. Who do you think will come out on top?