The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen their players face their fair share of potential “revenge” games during the 2025 season. In Week 15, the Steelers will be on the other end of that narrative with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick returning to Pittsburgh with the Miami Dolphins.
Fitzpatrick, though, downplayed the revenge aspect of the matchup while speaking to reporters Tuesday.
“The only reason why it’s a big week this week is because we got a game, and we got to win it,” said Fitzpatrick, via FinsXtra.
After playing parts of six seasons in Pittsburgh, which included three first-team All-Pro years, the Steelers traded Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins on June 30. In return, the Steelers received defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
The two teams also included one draft pick each in the swap.
In 13 games for the Dolphins this season, Fitzpatrick has posted 76 combined tackles, including three for loss.
The Steelers will host the Dolphins on Monday Night Football on December 15.
Minkah Fitzpatrick Returning to Pittsburgh for Pivotal Week 15 Matchup
Fitzpatrick’s answer puts to rest any idea of potential ill will from him toward the Steelers. But probably only for now.
It will still be interesting to see how the Steelers receive Fitzpatrick during the pregame warmups at Acrisure Stadium on Monday. The safety is obviously familiar with a lot of Pittsburgh players and coaches. Fitzpatrick’s greetings with those members of the Steelers organization could be the true indication of whether Monday is a revenge game for the safety.
Fitzpatrick was one of the top safeties in the league for Pittsburgh from 2019-22. In 2022, he probably should have received more attention in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. That season, Fitzpatrick finished tied for the league lead with six interceptions. He also had 96 combined tackles and 11 pass defenses on his way to a third first-team All-Pro nomination in five years.
But during his last two years with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick wasn’t the same ball-hawk. He had one interception in his final 27 games with Pittsburgh.
Fitzpatrick has been a steady presence for the Dolphins secondary this year. But he has continued to not be the same defensive playmaker. In addition to 76 combined tackles, Fitzpatrick has posted six pass defenses, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
Ironically, the Steelers acquired the safety from the Dolphins in a 2019 trade. Miami drafted Fitzpatrick at No. 11 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Over eight NFL seasons, the safety has posted 21 interceptions, 60 pass defenses and six forced fumbles in 119 games.
Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith Also Set to Face Former Team
Since the Steelers parted with Fitzpatrick via trade, Monday night will be a potential “revenge” game for the players also involved in the deal.
Neither Ramsey nor Smith were in Miami as long as Fitzpatrick was in Pittsburgh. But Ramsey played two seasons with the Dolphins, who inked the 7-time Pro Bowler to a record $72.3 million extension. The Dolphins traded Ramsey less than a year later.
Smith spent one year with the Dolphins. That was the best statistical season of his career. Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2024 with 88 catches, 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in Miami.
The Dolphins will enter Monday on a four-game winning streak and winners in five of their last six. But at 6-7, Miami has to keep winning to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Steelers are back in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. But they have just a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens with four weeks remaining in the regular season.
The Steelers will host the Ravens in the Week 18 regular season finale.
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