Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson targeted in Dublin mugging incident
Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was involved in a mugging incident in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday prior to his team’s international matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. The fourth-year player sustained minor injuries during the altercation but returned to team activities following the incident according to official reports from the organization and league representatives.
Team and league response
The Steelers organization acknowledged the incident through spokesperson Burt Lauten, confirming their awareness of the situation and indicating they were working with NFL security to gather additional information. The NFL Players Association also issued a statement expressing relief that Thompson was okay while emphasizing their commitment to understanding the full circumstances surrounding the event. Both organizations emphasized player safety as their primary concern, particularly regarding international game security protocols.
Player status and context
Thompson, currently on injured reserve with a hamstring injury sustained on September 10th, was in Dublin as part of the Steelers delegation for the historic first regular-season NFL game in Ireland. The quarterback has appeared in 10 games throughout his career with two starts, throwing for 721 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. His placement on injured reserve meant he was not active for the game against the Vikings, which the Steelers won 24-21.
International game security considerations
The incident occurred during the NFL’s international series expansion that includes seven games outside the United States this season. The Dublin contest marked the second of these international matchups following the week one game in São Paulo, Brazil, between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. The league’s continued global expansion includes future games scheduled for Berlin, Madrid, and three contests in London, raising questions about security protocols for players and staff during international travel.
