Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was the victim of a late-night attack in Dublin, Ireland — just hours before his team faced the Minnesota Vikings.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the 25-year-old quarterback was jumped by multiple men around 3 a.m. local time Saturday morning while walking through the city. The suspects reportedly robbed him during the violent altercation.
Thompson Suffers Minor Injuries
Fortunately, Thompson — who is currently on the injured reserve list — escaped the ordeal with only minor injuries. No further medical details have been released, but reports indicate he did not require hospitalization.
The Steelers organization confirmed the incident in a statement shared with TMZ:
“We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.”
The NFL Players Association has also been contacted, though no public statement has been made.
Steelers Rally After Shocking Incident
Despite the off-field scare, the Steelers managed to stay focused on game day. On Sunday, they defeated the Vikings 24-21, improving to 3-1 on the season. Thompson, who has not yet taken the field this year, was not active for the matchup.
Thompson’s NFL Journey
Skylar Thompson entered the NFL in 2022 as a seventh-round draft pick by the Miami Dolphins. Over his first two seasons, he appeared in 10 total games before being acquired by the Steelers this year. While he’s still waiting for his first snap with Pittsburgh, coaches see him as an important depth piece at the quarterback position.
Attack Raises Concerns Over Player Safety Abroad
The attack has raised questions about NFL player safety during international trips, as teams continue to participate in overseas games. Ireland has historically been a safe destination for fans and athletes alike, making this attack particularly shocking.
Local authorities have not yet released details about the suspects, possible arrests, or whether Thompson’s stolen belongings have been recovered.
💬 What do you think about this shocking incident? Should the NFL increase security for players abroad? Drop your thoughts in the comments!