Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Slams NFL After Player Robbery and Assault in Ireland

Dublin, Ireland — September 29, 2025 — Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II unleashed a scathing critique of the NFL following the robbery and assault of backup quarterback Skylar Thompson in Dublin, just days before the team’s 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The incident, which occurred Friday night, has intensified scrutiny on the league’s handling of international game logistics, with Rooney arguing that earlier travel could have prevented the ordeal.

Thompson, a third-string quarterback already on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, was jumped and robbed while walking in Dublin, sustaining minor injuries. “The NFL’s refusal to let us arrive earlier for acclimation and practice put our players at risk,” Rooney said in a statement. “This is unacceptable. Player safety must come first, and the league’s scheduling failures contributed to this incident.” The Steelers, who arrived late due to NFL restrictions, were limited to one practice at Carton House before the historic Croke Park game.

The Steelers (3-1) secured the win, driven by Aaron Rodgers’ 80-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf and a defense that forced five turnovers, including a fumble return touchdown by Jalen Ramsey. However, the off-field incident overshadowed the triumph. Rooney criticized the league for not prioritizing player safety in international settings, noting that earlier travel could have allowed better preparation and safer acclimation to Dublin’s environment.

Fans on X echoed Rooney’s frustration, with #NFLFail trending alongside calls for improved security. “Thompson didn’t deserve this—NFL dropped the ball,” one post read. The league has yet to respond, but Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten confirmed ongoing coordination with NFL security to investigate the incident.

The robbery compounds Pittsburgh’s challenges, with injuries to Alex Highsmith (ankle), Jonnu Smith (questionable), Jaylen Warren (questionable), and Max Scharping (out for season) straining the roster. The offense, averaging just 212 passing yards and 78.7 rushing yards per game, struggled despite Rodgers’ 200-yard performance. As the Steelers head into their Week 5 bye, Rooney’s outspoken stance puts pressure on the NFL to address safety protocols for international games, ensuring the team’s focus remains on football rather than off-field crises.