Pittsburgh, PA — October 10, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II has demanded immediate NFL action against Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who punched Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen in the face during a heated Week 6 clash. The incident, which occurred in the second quarter of the Browns’ 23-9 loss, has sparked outrage across Steelers Nation, with

Pittsburgh, PA — October 10, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II has demanded immediate NFL action against Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who punched Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen in the face during a heated Week 6 clash. The incident, which occurred in the second quarter of the Browns’ 23-9 loss, has sparked outrage across Steelers Nation, with Rooney labeling it a blatant assault that demands severe punishment.

Footage from the game at Acrisure Stadium shows Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 Draft, swinging a closed fist at Queen. Queen, the Steelers’ defensive captain, returned to the game and finished with 9 tackles and a forced fumble, but the unprovoked strike has left the team fuming.

Rooney, in a fiery statement released, condemned the act and urged Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Gabriel for multiple games. “We’ve never seen anything like this before—a quarterback throwing a punch straight to the face of one of our players. It’s unacceptable and dangerous. The NFL must discipline Gabriel harshly to protect the integrity of the game. Patrick Queen is a warrior, but no one should endure such cowardice on the field.”

Queen, a 2024 All-Pro with 112 tackles last season, required stitches but avoided a concussion. “It’s football, but that was personal,” Queen said postgame. “I’ll be ready next week.”

The NFL has not announced a decision, but such acts typically warrant fines or suspensions. As the Steelers (4-1) prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rooney’s call for justice resonates, uniting Steelers Nation in support of their captain.

Rooney labeling it a blatant assault that demands severe punishment.

Footage from the game at Acrisure Stadium shows Gabriel, a third-round pick in the 2025 Draft, swinging a closed fist at Queen. Queen, the Steelers’ defensive captain, returned to the game and finished with 9 tackles and a forced fumble, but the unprovoked strike has left the team fuming.

Rooney, in a fiery statement released, condemned the act and urged Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Gabriel for multiple games. “We’ve never seen anything like this before—a quarterback throwing a punch straight to the face of one of our players. It’s unacceptable and dangerous. The NFL must discipline Gabriel harshly to protect the integrity of the game. Patrick Queen is a warrior, but no one should endure such cowardice on the field.”

Queen, a 2024 All-Pro with 112 tackles last season, required stitches but avoided a concussion. “It’s football, but that was personal,” Queen said postgame. “I’ll be ready next week.”

The NFL has not announced a decision, but such acts typically warrant fines or suspensions. As the Steelers (4-1) prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rooney’s call for justice resonates, uniting Steelers Nation in support of their captain.