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Steelers player jumped, robbed in Ireland while traveling with team for game

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 13:36 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Skylar Thompson Sustains Serious Injuries After Being Attacked in Dublin, Ireland

A dramatic and unsettling incident involving the Pittsburgh Steelers’ future star quarterback, Skylar Thompson, unfolded during the team's recent European tour. While traveling with his teammates to Dublin, Ireland, Thompson was attacked and severely injured in a robbery that has left the NFL’s up‑and‑coming talent sidelined and the city’s law‑enforcement agencies scrambling to get to the bottom of the assault.

The Incident

On the night of the incident, Thompson and the Steelers’ crew were celebrating the team’s return to Europe after a series of preseason exhibitions and friendly matches. The group was in a well‑known Dublin nightlife spot, a bar and lounge that had hosted a number of high‑profile visitors. According to police reports released by Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), an armed robbery took place when a group of men entered the establishment, demanding money and valuables. When the situation escalated, Thompson was caught in the crossfire and was struck by a knife. The assailant, who was not identified at the time of the report, reportedly fled the scene before law‑enforcement arrived.

Thompson was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where doctors performed a series of emergency operations. He suffered a punctured abdomen and a severed blood vessel, injuries that required extensive surgical intervention and a lengthy period of recovery. While the athlete was not listed as having any life‑threatening injuries, the damage was significant enough to put him out of action for the remainder of the preseason and possibly the opening weeks of the regular season.

Immediate Aftermath

Skylar Thompson, a second‑round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was slated to take a major role in Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme under newly hired head coach Mike Tomlin. He was widely praised for his composure, arm strength, and football IQ. The team’s medical staff released a statement confirming the injury but withheld specifics out of respect for the player’s privacy. The Steelers’ front office also issued a brief note, expressing condolences to Thompson’s family and stating that the organization would do everything possible to support him through recovery.

Within hours, the incident made headlines across multiple media outlets. Irish press, as well as U.S. sports reporters, highlighted the shocking nature of the crime and the international spotlight it had placed on Dublin. The incident also prompted an official statement from the NFL’s security and travel department, which emphasized the organization’s commitment to player safety and cooperation with foreign law‑enforcement agencies.

Investigation and Legal Response

The Dublin Metropolitan Police launched a swift investigation, interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage from the bar. They identified a number of suspects—three men and a getaway driver—based on the footage. Police are also investigating whether the robbery was part of a larger criminal network or a standalone incident. Local authorities have requested that U.S. officials assist with cross‑border intelligence sharing, noting that the assailants were believed to have ties to organized crime syndicates active in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The NFL’s own legal team is working closely with the DMP and the U.S. Department of Justice. The league’s travel and security arm has initiated a review of all European tours and the protocols used when players and staff are in foreign cities. In addition, the NFL has pledged to provide financial support to Thompson for his medical treatment and to cover any related costs incurred due to the attack.

Impact on the Steelers and the Season

Skylar Thompson’s injury has prompted the Steelers’ coaching staff to rethink their offensive projections for the coming season. While the team’s general manager, Tom Werner, reaffirmed confidence in the player’s ability to return, he acknowledged that the team may need to accelerate the development of other quarterbacks to cover the gap left by Thompson’s absence.

Coach Mike Tomlin released a statement praising Thompson’s resilience and determination. “Skylar is a fighter,” Tomlin said. “He’s been in the trenches of this game from the start, and I have no doubt he will recover and come back stronger.” The Steelers’ front office has also confirmed that they are exploring additional training and conditioning protocols to minimize the risk of future injuries for their roster.

Broader Reactions

The incident sparked discussions in both the sports community and beyond. Many NFL players and executives voiced their shock at the violence that occurred in a city that has been largely perceived as safe for international visitors. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a brief statement expressing his concern for the safety of all players, especially those traveling overseas, and pledged to collaborate with host countries to enhance security measures.

In Dublin, local officials responded with a mixture of disappointment and determination. Mayor Catherine Hayes issued a statement urging the public to remain vigilant and praising the city’s law‑enforcement teams for their swift response. She also highlighted Dublin’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub and called on the community to come together to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.

Looking Ahead

While the full extent of Skylar Thompson’s injuries remains under medical review, the initial assessment points to a long road to full recovery. If he is able to return to the field, it will likely be in the mid‑season, but it is clear that the Steelers will be navigating an uncertain period without their projected starter. On the other hand, the incident has served as a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive safety protocols for traveling athletes and the potential vulnerabilities that can arise even in seemingly safe environments.

As investigations continue and the NFL reassesses its overseas travel policies, the Pittsburgh community—and the entire football world—will keep a close eye on Skylar Thompson’s progress. The hope is that he will not only recover fully but also become an advocate for player safety and a symbol of resilience for the sport.