Steelers Rookie WR Mourns Fallen Police Officer Brother Killed Breaking Up Brawl Between Lions and Falcons Fans

ATLANTA, Georgia – Authorities confirmed Friday night that a DeKalb County police officer was fatally shot while attempting to break up a violent brawl between Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons fans near the CDC headquarters.

The altercation erupted shortly after the NFL preseason game between the two teams, escalating from heated taunts to physical violence. Witnesses reported bottles being thrown and punches exchanged before the chaos spiraled into deadly gunfire.

Officer David Rose, 33, was on patrol when he responded to the scene just before 5 p.m., several miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Lions had defeated the Falcons 24-17 in their preseason opener.

It was later revealed that Rose was the cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roc Taylor, a connection that sent shockwaves through the NFL community and added a deeply personal layer to the tragedy. Taylor, an undrafted rookie out of Memphis, played 43 games in college, recording 162 receptions for 2,366 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2023, he posted 69 catches for 1,083 yards and 4 TDs (earning second-team All-AAC honors), followed by 66 catches for 950 yards and 2 TDs in 2024.

Rose moved quickly to separate the combatants when an unidentified suspect—believed to be one of the involved fans—opened fire, striking him multiple times. He was rushed to Emory University Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The suspected gunman was also killed during subsequent gunfire inside a nearby CVS pharmacy. Investigators have not yet determined whether the fatal wound was self-inflicted or caused by police return fire.

Rose joined the DeKalb County Police Department in September 2024 and is survived by his pregnant wife, two young children, and extended family members, including his NFL rookie cousin preparing for his debut season.

"We’re asking for the community’s prayers for his family, friends, loved ones, and the entire DeKalb County Police Department family," Interim Police Chief Greg Padrick said. "Officer Rose put himself in harm’s way to protect others during what should have been a celebratory evening."

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, CDC Director Susan Monarez, and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock all issued statements honoring Rose’s service and sacrifice, calling his death a profound loss for the state and the community.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the FBI, is leading the probe. Several individuals from the fight were detained for questioning, but no other injuries were reported among fans. Authorities urge vigilance to prevent similar tragedies at future games.